Two formal complaints were received by the local government investigator during last year’s City of Greater Bendigo council elections.
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However the complaints, which were not regarded as serious breaches of the Local Government Act, were not investigated by the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate (LGICI), who took no further action.
The nature of the complaints were not revealed by the LGICI, which can only publicise details of offences that reach the prosecution stage.
Across Victoria in 2016, 409 complaints were lodged, about half of which related to misleading or deceptive conduct alleged during campaigns, new data from the LGICI 2016 council elections report shows.
Corrupt conduct accounted for 12 per cent of the complaints received by the LGICI.
Of those complaints, 21 were transferred to an investigations team, while 39 warnings were issued.
A number of complaints related to campaigners’ use of Facebook, with 76 per cent of the gripes relating to online campaign material referencing the social media platform.
The LGICI is currently investigating serious allegations made against Central Goldfields Council regarding allegations of impropriety.
In September 2016, the LGICI sent a team of investigators to the shire’s council offices to secure documents and interview staff.
The shire, which includes towns like Maryborough and Dunolly, has been probed by the LGICI in recent years.
In 2012 Central Goldfields Shire councillor Ian Robertson was reportedly found guilty of two conflicts of interest regarding the upgrades of roads to his property. No conviction was recorded against him.
The investigation into the shire has been broadened beyond its original scope and timeline, according to a spokesperson for the LGICI, who said more resources had been dedicated to the case.
One part of the investigation is due to be completed in early May.
In the City of Greater Bendigo 2012 election, one individual received a warning letter after one charge relating to a misleading statement was laid by the inspectorate.