UPDATE: Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik is being investigated by the local government inspectorate for offering financial incentives in exchange for preferences from candidates in last October’s council election.
The inspectorate has confirmed a complaint about the election is still being investigated, but it would not provide details.
However, sources confirmed to the Weekly that they had been interviewed by the inspectorate as part of the continuing probe.
A source, who did not want to be named, said they were contacted by Cr Majdlik during the election period in a bid to secure their preferences.
“I was contacted by Kathy in regards to procuring preferences and she offered to use the council’s money in exchange for preferences.
“She offered up to $100,000 . . . to fund certain projects.
“I didn’t realise how serious this was until after I was formally interviewed by the inspectorate.”
The source said other witnesses had been interviewed.
“It’s my understanding that a number of people have been interviewed in regards to the mayor.
“In the interest of council and community, she should stand down immediately until the investigation is over.”
The source said they had previously had very few interactions with Cr Majdlik.
The inspectorate confirmed it had received six complaints about last year’s election.
Three were in breach of the Local Government Act and were finalised with a warning letter.
One was deemed not to have been a breach but was referred to a different authority.
The inspectorate found another incident was not in breach of the act.
Melton chief executive Kelvin Tori said the council was aware the inspectorate was investigating a complaint, but he would make no further comment. He said the council had provided all documentation requested by the inspectorate.
In a short address to Tuesday’s council meeting, Cr Majdlik denied any wrongdoing.
“There is no substance to the allegations and I have fully co-operated
with the inspectorate during their investigation,” she said.
”However
I anticipate that there will be some weeks before the inspectorate will
formally advise what the matter will be proceeded with.
”I will not
be making any further comment in relation to this matter until after
that time and I will not be standing down in my position as an elected
councillor and mayor of Melton City Council.”
A CROWD STOOD IN POLL
Melton had the second-highest number of candidates in the state for last October’s council election. A total of 72 candidates vied for seven positions – up from 34 candidates in 2008.
Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik was one of 22 candidates for two places in Cambridge ward.
Only 12 candidates stood for election in neighbouring Moorabool.
