Concern for 'vexatious' proceedings allowing residents to shut down Victorian councils
Five councillors in Victoria, Australia, have been forced to stand down after a private citizen initiated criminal proceedings against them. Advocates are calling for legislative changes to prevent the misuse of private prosecutions to disrupt local government operations.
Why it matters
This case highlights a potential loophole in local government law that could be exploited to undermine democratic processes at the municipal level.
Five councillors at Hepburn Shire Council have been served with criminal charges by a private citizen. ( ABC News: Eden Hynninen )
Advocates are calling for urgent intervention by the state government after "vexatious" proceedings by a private citizen against five central Victorian councillors forced them to stand down.
Rural Councils Victoria chair Robert Amos says the law is being weaponised by those looking to "undermine democracy".
An amendment to the Local Government Act is before parliament that aims to close the loophole that triggers an automatic stand-down of councillors.
Link copied Share Share article A shire council in central Victoria has been shut down by the efforts of just one resident.
The bins will still be collected, roadworks will continue, and the libraries will still open.
But any big decisions have been suspended because there are only two people left at the council table.
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