Recover Our Rights campaign to abolish the LGI
What you need to know about the LGI
In 1997, the Kennett government made changes to Section 223 of the Local Government Act (LG) which provided for the appointment of an inspector of municipal administration.
The current state government has now set up the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate (LGI).
Investigations into Port Phillip and Brimbank may be the reason for this.
The LGI can investigate ‘any person’ including council workers, family, friends or the general community.
Former Victoria Police Inspector David Wolf was appointed Chief Municipal Inspector, along with 10 other inspectors. Inspectors are directly appointed by the Minister and are not subject to the Public Administration Act (which would have provided checks and balances).
Inspectors may examine or investigate anything relating to a Council’s operations or electoral matters and any possible breaches of the LG Act. Inspectors can ask any person to produce any document, give all assistance with an investigation, appear on oath, and answer questions.
They can also take matters directly to the Supreme Court.
A person must not refuse a requirement of an inspector, give false or misleading information, or refuse to take an oath. Stiff penalties apply.
The LGI’s powers are a threat to ALL workers and anyone connected to LG because they apply to any person.
The LGI even interrogated a newspaper reporter during the recent Geelong City Council Steak Sandwich dispute using threats of jail and fines.
The ASU is particularly concerned with the removal of our most basic rights, such as the right to be treated equally before the law (Article 7 UN declaration of HR) and the right to silence. The LG Minister claims there are protections for workers (there are none!) and has refused to change the laws.
The ASU will fully support our members, campaign to inform people of the laws and use our combined strength to have the LGI abolished
Government Act (LG) which provided for the appointment of an inspector of
municipal administration.
The current state government has now set up the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate (LGI).
Investigations into Port Phillip and Brimbank may be the reason for this. The LGI can investigate ‘any person’ including council workers, family, friends or the general community.
Former Victoria Police Inspector David Wolf was appointed Chief Municipal Inspector, along with 10 other inspectors. Inspectors are directly appointed by the Minister and are not subject to the Public Administration Act (which would have provided checks and balances).
Inspectors may examine or investigate anything relating to a Council's operations or electoral matters and any possible breaches of the LG Act. Inspectors can ask any person to produce any document, give all assistance with an investigation, appear on oath, and answer questions. They can also take matters directly to the Supreme Court.
A person must not refuse a requirement of an inspector, give false or
misleading information, or refuse to take an oath. Stiff penalties apply (see
next column).
NOTE: The ASU reminds non-members that they will have to pay for their own private legal advice
if they are contacted by the LGI. Only ASU members will get free support and advice.
To become a member, fill out the membership overleaf, call the ASU on 1300 855 570 or go to www.asuvic.asn.au
Authorised by: Brian Parkinson, Secretary, Australian Services Union Victorian Authorities & Services Branch 116 Queensberry St Carlton South VIC 3053 Australia
Printed by: Advanced Mailing Solutions 38 Barrie Road Tullamarine VIC 3043 Australia
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSPECTORATE
a threat to ALL Council workers
The LGI’s powers are a threat to ALL workers and
anyone connected to LG because they apply
to any person.
The LGI even interrogated a newspaper reporter during the recent
Geelong City Council Steak Sandwich dispute using threats of jail
and fines.
The ASU is particularly concerned with the removal of our most basic
rights, such as the right to be treated equally before the law (Article
7 UN declaration of HR) and the right to silence.
The LG Minister claims there are protections for workers (there are
none!) and has refused to change the laws.
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