Since we received this press release from Ratepayers Victoria(RPV), the Minister has been sacked

We now wonder how he managed to perform his duties of oversight of Local Government and question whether the new Local Government Act, introduced under his watch, is in the best interests of ratepayers?

We support their call for “a wide-ranging investigation into Local Council Governance, Decision Making, Procurement, Complaint handling, Developer Contributions, Project Spending & Councillor & CEO conduct, and Political Party influences in Councils. “

Press Release:

RATEPAYERS SEEK IBAC INVESTIGATION NOW

Ratepayers have been appalled at the allegations aired by 60 minutes against the Local Government Minister, Adem Somyurek MP. For a long time, Ratepayers Victoria has sought to clean up the corruption that appears systemic in local government. Local Government has over $10 Billion in revenue and little oversight, which makes it perfect for corrupt activities. Ratepayers are being failed on every level by The Victorian Government. Ratepayers Victoria says the evidence is CLEAR:

· CASEY COUNCIL – SACKED · WHITTLESEA COUNCIL – SACKED · SOUTH GIPPSLAND COUNCIL – SACKED · BALLARAT COUNCIL – MULTIPLE INVESTIGATIONS · WARRNAMBOOL COUNCIL – MULTIPLE INVESTIGATIONS · IBAC HEARINGS – RECORD COMPLAINTS · PARKING INFRINGEMENTS FIASCO · OMBUDSMAN – NO COMPLAINTS STANDARDS IN COUNCILS · OMBUDSMAN – RECORD COMPLAINT LEVELS · AUDITOR GENERAL – INADEQUATE GOVERNANCE CONTROLS · AUDITOR GENERAL - DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS NOT CHARGED · INSPECTORATE – FAILING TO PROSECUTE DODGY COUNCILLORS “We are calling on the Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews MP to sack the minister & Commission an IBAC investigation into the Local Government sector”, President of Ratepayers Victoria, Dean Hurlston said. “There are now allegations of branch stacking, corruption and bullying behaviour from the minister charged with leading the local government sector, we ask why did Somyurek push for single member wards – power & control?” Mr Hurlston said.

Ratepayers Victoria want a wide-ranging investigation into Local Council Governance, Decision Making, Procurement, Complaint handling, Developer Contributions, Project Spending & Councillor & CEO conduct, and Political Party influences in Councils. “Ratepayers Victoria met with the minister last year and he refused funding to help clean up local councils – now why is that? Mr Hurlston said. Media Enquiries – 0427 862 103 or presidentrpv@gmail.com ~