COUNCIL DISTORTIONS
"
""Ethical Discipline dictates that ANY possible misrepresentation should er on the side of caution where Politicians under cloak of uncertainty should remove themselves from front line procedures"
"
"Perth Mayor Lisa Scaffidi disqualified for 18 months
"Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi has lost office over a travel expenses saga after the State Administrative Tribunal disqualified her from being an elected official for 18 months
"Ms Scaffidi was guilty of 45 “serious breaches” of the Local Government Act by not properly disclosing expenses including a trip to the 2008 Beijing Olympics valued at $US36,826. She was a guest of BHP
she wrote in an email: “Hope hotel five star - let them know I don’t stay in trash"
"This included travel to Beijing, Houston, Sydney, the Gold Coast, Seoul, Japan, Spain and New York"
See = http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/perth-mayor-lisa-scaffidi-disqualified-for-18-months/news-story/2779ad4ef49a311536e05fb886190105
"Proposed Legislation of an Adelaide Southern Council to have more transparency in claims by councilors is being met with widespread resistance from some Councilors. Some of these claims include -; Childcare, Car Mileage, telephones, internet, sitting Fees for meetings, conference Fees plus a range of other "expenses".
Housing Prices for "Town Hoses & Apartments" in an Adelaide Southern suburb have jumped more than $80,000 in the past 12 months, from median $280,000 to $362,500. The new re-zoning Laws are blamed for the Councils "push" in this direction.
"Mr Pyne paid tribute to Jim Dodrill "for his courageous stand" on local government corruption. Mr Dodrill, the president of the Ipswich Residents and Ratepayers Association, has been a vocal opponent of former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale and some other councillors and a supporter of Mr Pyne's calls for a NSW-style ICAC in Queensland
See = http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bashing-victim-was-a-source-behind-mps-allegations-of-council-corruption-20170626-gwyxpu.html
"Onkaparinga Councillors can claim for -; Travel Mileage, dependent care, Telephone calls, Internet usage, Conference Fees, plus much more.
"Allegations of overseas junkets, mistresses and visits to massage parlours are examples of further claims of widespread corruption in several Queensland councils"
"documents also detailed claims Ipswich councillors took junket trips across the world
ICC [Ipswich City Council] mayor had been on many trips overseas including Paris, England, numerous times to China, Borneo, New Zealand, Mongolia, Taiwan and USA"
"Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Mr Pyne should have sent the material to the CCC
"If anyone has any serious allegations of corruption, they should be immediately referred to the CCC," Ms Palaszczuk said
See = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-09/rob-pyne-parliamentary-privilege-claims-queensland-councils/8787992
Shoppers have been Fined more than $250,000 over the past year at Major Shopping centre, South of Adelaide in South Australia, according to a News report. A Council person would NOT say what prompted the massive increase. Shoppers say a LACK of signage is to blame. One customer parked as usual at 8-30 am & was fined for breaching the 90 Minute Rule. Another group of people will now go to a different centre after they also were fined. There was NO signage stipulating this Time Frame. Parking is allowed for FIVE Hours in most of the Care park. Paid Parking for the centre is now being considered in line with 770 extra car parking spaces.
"CORRUPTION WATCHDOG FINDS FORMER BOTANY BAY COUNCIL CFO ENGAGED IN CORRUPT CONDUCT, ABUSED CREDIT CARDS
"Botany Bay Council’s former chief financial officer who engaged in “serious corrupt conduct” by orchestrating a false invoicing scheme that siphoned off more than $5 million of ratepayers money
"See = http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/southern-courier/corruption-watchdog-to-hand-down-report-into-fraud-allegations-against-former-botany-bay-council-senior-staff/news-story/8527d28ed329cdd1101515547b007397
"In 2006, ICAC raided Wollongong council. What investigators discovered led to the "table of knowledge" sex-and-bribery scandal which rocked the council and cast a shadow over multimillion-dollar planning decisions"
"A decade later, on June 22, 2016, ICAC officers executed search warrants at a number of premises including Canterbury council chambers in Beamish Street, a firm of architects, the home of councillor Michael Hawatt (Liberal), as well as the home and office of local real estate agent George Vasiliades (frequently shortened to Vasil) whose son Con, a weightlifter, was a Liberal councillor"
Meanwhile, one of the properties believed to be of interest to ICAC is the old hardware store site at 548 Canterbury Road, Campsie. Property developer Charlie Demian finalised his $14 million purchase of the site in November 2014"
"Last month, Mr Demian secured $52.8 million when he flicked the property to Queensland developer Derek McCartney. While not a sod was turned during the two years he owned it, Mr Demian secured a very lucrative windfall when the council approved an extra two floors on top of his existing approval for a six floor, 254-unit complex. The approval exceeded the council's height restrictions"
Local government minister Gabrielle Upton declined to comment on whether requests had been made to defer the Canterbury Bankstown election"
See = http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/potential-corruption-at-canterbury-is-bigger-than-wollongong-but-without-the-sex-20170714-gxbhga.html
See = https://governmentnews.com.au/2017/05/27047/
"CORRUPTION and Crime Commission head John McKechnie has warned that WA councils are plagued by mismanagement and corruption and has called on the State Government to intervene to save ratepayers"
See = http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/corruption-rife-in-country-councils-ccc-boss/news-story/f7aa7f2c5fce96b088b1155d4454d305
"
Recognized as the Third Tier of Government, "Local" (COUNCILS) are becoming a Law unto themselves & as such, they are emerging as a major force in the Societal environment.
According to ALGA (Australian Local Government Association) -;
"Our 2017-20 Strategic Plan and annual action plan, developed and agreed by the ALGA Board, determines the priorities and strategies related to our business and provides the focus for our activities, resources, the work of the Secretariat, and action taken on strategic opportunities"
See = http://alga.asn.au/?ID=14499&Menu=44,469
That statement alone should send shivers up the spine of the Citizen communities within each State BUT what else is involved ??
"The Australian Local Government Association is the national voice of local government, representing 560 councils across the country. In structure, ALGA is a federation of state and territory local government associations"
Key activities include representation of local government on national bodies and ministerial councils, providing submissions to government and parliamentary inquiries, raising the profile and concerns of local government at the national level and providing forums for local government to guide the development of national local government policies"
"FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
"If a council restricts its activities to ‘roads, rates and rubbish’ and its various statutory obligations, it’s the result of a series of political decisions rather than a legal determination which is based on the Act. And whatever decisions a council makes in this regard are ultimately reflected in the Council Plan and other key strategic documents"
"PLUS -; Planning & monitoring
"The laws made by local governments are called local laws and cover issues such as the activities permitted on public land, animal management, and use of infrastructure"
"Local governments are also responsible for enforcing local laws and other legislation over which they have authority"
See = http://www.goodgovernance.org.au/decision-making/guiding-principles/
"The three important principles which underpin local government decision making
"GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT --
legitimately represent the interests of the people who elected them,
Good governance processes allow councillors to put forward their constituents’ issues for formal consideration by council.
COUNCIL POWERS --
Council can only make decisions that are within its powers.
These are set out in Section 3F (1) of the Local Government Act 1989, as well as in other state and federal legislation"
"As long as they don’t stray into areas that are the responsibility of other levels of government,"
Councils also are not allowed to take over state powers such as policing, road rules or public transport regulation"
When carrying out their functions, councils must also comply with administrative law principles which affect a person’s rights or legitimate expectations"
NATURAL JUSTICE"
"The principle of natural justice, which is fundamental to good governance, should underpin every council decision"
"Natural justice is a doctrine which seeks to protect those affected against arbitrary exercise of power by ensuring fair play. It’s particularly relevant to decisions which clearly affect individuals’ rights"
"There are two fundamental rules for natural justice:
1 = all sides of an argument should be given a fair opportunity to be heard before a decision is made
2 = the decision maker must not have predetermined the matter or be perceived as having predetermined the matter
NOTE = Regardless of their political views, councillors must ensure that they consider all the available arguments and information before finally making up their minds on an issue"
"Councillors must be able to demonstrate that they are ‘capable of being persuaded’ by the advice they receive"
"Councillors must also adhere to conflict of interest requirements as set out in the Local Government Act 1989. This is a legal requirement.
"ARE COUNCILLORS / MAYORS COMPLYING WITH ABOVE FUNCTIONS ??
"READ "-;
Local Government chicanery is not always self evident but the reality is = It does exist across a wide area that most people have no idea about.
This is just ANOTHER arena that rips of the Public.
Do not just sit there = Read the below information and ACT for REFORM via -;
See = http://ausovnablog.weebly.com/issue.html = (copy / paste into browser search box)
"Onkaparinga Council spends $39,000 in 2016--17 on catered meals BEFORE Meetings
"Council spends $55,000 on a Report reviewing a Car Parking scheme that may raise $7,000.
Report states how much Businesses will have to pay to cover costs
"Councillors voted at last weeks meeting to charge $500 for each parking space that is NOT provided while larger developments will attract $2,000 fine per space.
Report was by Outside Consultants instead qualified Council staff.
Neither Council OR Consultants wanted to respond to Questions. (SouthernTimes=June21--2017)
"Mayor of Onkaparinga says Council needs to be a "More Balanced & inclusive Brand"
"AIM = is to create the LEADING & Most Trusted visitor Website in our Region" to be achieved by INJECTING an EXTRA $128,000 into Budget. = Website to cost approx $40,000 in the over INCREASED Budget of $251,0000, This includes $5,000 to Rename the Southern Expressway.
"Councils Revenue Team Leader says -;
"RATES are a TAX on Land VALUES -- NOT on the level of Service provided"
"We can NEVER say we provide the same level of Service to Every Property because it depends on the Level of Service you consume" = (SouthernTimesNewsPaper)
"Waiting lists for Public Housing Explodes PAST 20 YEARS
"Housing Trust homes being Sold to Community Title while Councils DEMAND $4 MILLION from State Government to cover Loss in Rates Revenue from Housing Trust Homes.
"Councils Pay $1 MILLION "ROYALTIES" on Rubble for Roads.
"Councils want $300,000 to Promote Live Music.
"SA Councils Collect & Pay to State Government $90 MILLION for Waste Levy.
"SA Government Treasurer (2017) did NOT respond to calls for comment.
"Onkaparinga Council will spend $250,000 to "Scope Out" ?? interest from private companies in the "HOPE" of delivering the Noarlunga Regional Centre Project" (SouthernTimes--June21--2017)
"Modelling" shows a 900 job creation.
"Onkarainga Council overspends conference Budget so Four Councillors can go to Canberra for a Four Day Council Conference at Cost of $11,600
"
,,,
""Ethical Discipline dictates that ANY possible misrepresentation should er on the side of caution where Politicians under cloak of uncertainty should remove themselves from front line procedures"
"
"Perth Mayor Lisa Scaffidi disqualified for 18 months
"Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi has lost office over a travel expenses saga after the State Administrative Tribunal disqualified her from being an elected official for 18 months
"Ms Scaffidi was guilty of 45 “serious breaches” of the Local Government Act by not properly disclosing expenses including a trip to the 2008 Beijing Olympics valued at $US36,826. She was a guest of BHP
she wrote in an email: “Hope hotel five star - let them know I don’t stay in trash"
"This included travel to Beijing, Houston, Sydney, the Gold Coast, Seoul, Japan, Spain and New York"
See = http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/perth-mayor-lisa-scaffidi-disqualified-for-18-months/news-story/2779ad4ef49a311536e05fb886190105
"Proposed Legislation of an Adelaide Southern Council to have more transparency in claims by councilors is being met with widespread resistance from some Councilors. Some of these claims include -; Childcare, Car Mileage, telephones, internet, sitting Fees for meetings, conference Fees plus a range of other "expenses".
Housing Prices for "Town Hoses & Apartments" in an Adelaide Southern suburb have jumped more than $80,000 in the past 12 months, from median $280,000 to $362,500. The new re-zoning Laws are blamed for the Councils "push" in this direction.
"Mr Pyne paid tribute to Jim Dodrill "for his courageous stand" on local government corruption. Mr Dodrill, the president of the Ipswich Residents and Ratepayers Association, has been a vocal opponent of former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale and some other councillors and a supporter of Mr Pyne's calls for a NSW-style ICAC in Queensland
See = http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bashing-victim-was-a-source-behind-mps-allegations-of-council-corruption-20170626-gwyxpu.html
"Onkaparinga Councillors can claim for -; Travel Mileage, dependent care, Telephone calls, Internet usage, Conference Fees, plus much more.
"Allegations of overseas junkets, mistresses and visits to massage parlours are examples of further claims of widespread corruption in several Queensland councils"
"documents also detailed claims Ipswich councillors took junket trips across the world
ICC [Ipswich City Council] mayor had been on many trips overseas including Paris, England, numerous times to China, Borneo, New Zealand, Mongolia, Taiwan and USA"
"Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Mr Pyne should have sent the material to the CCC
"If anyone has any serious allegations of corruption, they should be immediately referred to the CCC," Ms Palaszczuk said
See = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-09/rob-pyne-parliamentary-privilege-claims-queensland-councils/8787992
Shoppers have been Fined more than $250,000 over the past year at Major Shopping centre, South of Adelaide in South Australia, according to a News report. A Council person would NOT say what prompted the massive increase. Shoppers say a LACK of signage is to blame. One customer parked as usual at 8-30 am & was fined for breaching the 90 Minute Rule. Another group of people will now go to a different centre after they also were fined. There was NO signage stipulating this Time Frame. Parking is allowed for FIVE Hours in most of the Care park. Paid Parking for the centre is now being considered in line with 770 extra car parking spaces.
"CORRUPTION WATCHDOG FINDS FORMER BOTANY BAY COUNCIL CFO ENGAGED IN CORRUPT CONDUCT, ABUSED CREDIT CARDS
"Botany Bay Council’s former chief financial officer who engaged in “serious corrupt conduct” by orchestrating a false invoicing scheme that siphoned off more than $5 million of ratepayers money
"See = http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/southern-courier/corruption-watchdog-to-hand-down-report-into-fraud-allegations-against-former-botany-bay-council-senior-staff/news-story/8527d28ed329cdd1101515547b007397
"In 2006, ICAC raided Wollongong council. What investigators discovered led to the "table of knowledge" sex-and-bribery scandal which rocked the council and cast a shadow over multimillion-dollar planning decisions"
"A decade later, on June 22, 2016, ICAC officers executed search warrants at a number of premises including Canterbury council chambers in Beamish Street, a firm of architects, the home of councillor Michael Hawatt (Liberal), as well as the home and office of local real estate agent George Vasiliades (frequently shortened to Vasil) whose son Con, a weightlifter, was a Liberal councillor"
Meanwhile, one of the properties believed to be of interest to ICAC is the old hardware store site at 548 Canterbury Road, Campsie. Property developer Charlie Demian finalised his $14 million purchase of the site in November 2014"
"Last month, Mr Demian secured $52.8 million when he flicked the property to Queensland developer Derek McCartney. While not a sod was turned during the two years he owned it, Mr Demian secured a very lucrative windfall when the council approved an extra two floors on top of his existing approval for a six floor, 254-unit complex. The approval exceeded the council's height restrictions"
Local government minister Gabrielle Upton declined to comment on whether requests had been made to defer the Canterbury Bankstown election"
See = http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/potential-corruption-at-canterbury-is-bigger-than-wollongong-but-without-the-sex-20170714-gxbhga.html
"Council CEO ‘a law unto himself’ says Corruption and Crime Commission head
"Western Australia’s Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) has denounced the former Chief Executive of Exmouth Shire Council for serious misconduct after he flouted local government tender rules on a multi-million dollar project; fraudulently charged booze, cabs and hire cars to the council’s credit card; approved his own leave; faked documents; lied and chucked sickies"See = https://governmentnews.com.au/2017/05/27047/
"CORRUPTION and Crime Commission head John McKechnie has warned that WA councils are plagued by mismanagement and corruption and has called on the State Government to intervene to save ratepayers"
See = http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/corruption-rife-in-country-councils-ccc-boss/news-story/f7aa7f2c5fce96b088b1155d4454d305
"
Recognized as the Third Tier of Government, "Local" (COUNCILS) are becoming a Law unto themselves & as such, they are emerging as a major force in the Societal environment.
According to ALGA (Australian Local Government Association) -;
"Our 2017-20 Strategic Plan and annual action plan, developed and agreed by the ALGA Board, determines the priorities and strategies related to our business and provides the focus for our activities, resources, the work of the Secretariat, and action taken on strategic opportunities"
See = http://alga.asn.au/?ID=14499&Menu=44,469
That statement alone should send shivers up the spine of the Citizen communities within each State BUT what else is involved ??
"The Australian Local Government Association is the national voice of local government, representing 560 councils across the country. In structure, ALGA is a federation of state and territory local government associations"
Key activities include representation of local government on national bodies and ministerial councils, providing submissions to government and parliamentary inquiries, raising the profile and concerns of local government at the national level and providing forums for local government to guide the development of national local government policies"
"FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Under the Local Government Act 1989, the function of local government is very broad. Section 1 of the Act and Section 3A of the Act state that local government’s purpose is ‘…the peace, order and good governance…’ of their municipal district
"In practice, this means that individual councils can determine what they need to do to ensure “…the peace, order and good governance…” of their municipalities. Essentially each council makes its own decisions based on its collective beliefs, the advice it receives, various financial considerations, legislative powers and so on"If a council restricts its activities to ‘roads, rates and rubbish’ and its various statutory obligations, it’s the result of a series of political decisions rather than a legal determination which is based on the Act. And whatever decisions a council makes in this regard are ultimately reflected in the Council Plan and other key strategic documents"
"PLUS -; Planning & monitoring
Local governments set the overall direction for their municipalities through long-term planning. Examples include council plans, financial plans, municipal strategic statements and other strategic plans. Setting the vision, and then ensuring that it is achieved, is one of the most important roles of local government
"Local governments legislate and make decisions in areas over which they have legislative authority. Local laws are not allowed to replicate or be inconsistent with state and federal laws or the operative planning scheme""The laws made by local governments are called local laws and cover issues such as the activities permitted on public land, animal management, and use of infrastructure"
"Local governments are also responsible for enforcing local laws and other legislation over which they have authority"
See = http://www.goodgovernance.org.au/decision-making/guiding-principles/
"The three important principles which underpin local government decision making
"GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT --
legitimately represent the interests of the people who elected them,
Good governance processes allow councillors to put forward their constituents’ issues for formal consideration by council.
COUNCIL POWERS --
Council can only make decisions that are within its powers.
These are set out in Section 3F (1) of the Local Government Act 1989, as well as in other state and federal legislation"
"As long as they don’t stray into areas that are the responsibility of other levels of government,"
Councils also are not allowed to take over state powers such as policing, road rules or public transport regulation"
When carrying out their functions, councils must also comply with administrative law principles which affect a person’s rights or legitimate expectations"
NATURAL JUSTICE"
"The principle of natural justice, which is fundamental to good governance, should underpin every council decision"
"Natural justice is a doctrine which seeks to protect those affected against arbitrary exercise of power by ensuring fair play. It’s particularly relevant to decisions which clearly affect individuals’ rights"
"There are two fundamental rules for natural justice:
1 = all sides of an argument should be given a fair opportunity to be heard before a decision is made
2 = the decision maker must not have predetermined the matter or be perceived as having predetermined the matter
NOTE = Regardless of their political views, councillors must ensure that they consider all the available arguments and information before finally making up their minds on an issue"
"Councillors must be able to demonstrate that they are ‘capable of being persuaded’ by the advice they receive"
"Councillors must also adhere to conflict of interest requirements as set out in the Local Government Act 1989. This is a legal requirement.
"ARE COUNCILLORS / MAYORS COMPLYING WITH ABOVE FUNCTIONS ??
"READ "-;
Local Government chicanery is not always self evident but the reality is = It does exist across a wide area that most people have no idea about.
This is just ANOTHER arena that rips of the Public.
Do not just sit there = Read the below information and ACT for REFORM via -;
See = http://ausovnablog.weebly.com/issue.html = (copy / paste into browser search box)
"Onkaparinga Council spends $39,000 in 2016--17 on catered meals BEFORE Meetings
"Council spends $55,000 on a Report reviewing a Car Parking scheme that may raise $7,000.
Report states how much Businesses will have to pay to cover costs
"Councillors voted at last weeks meeting to charge $500 for each parking space that is NOT provided while larger developments will attract $2,000 fine per space.
Report was by Outside Consultants instead qualified Council staff.
Neither Council OR Consultants wanted to respond to Questions. (SouthernTimes=June21--2017)
"Mayor of Onkaparinga says Council needs to be a "More Balanced & inclusive Brand"
"AIM = is to create the LEADING & Most Trusted visitor Website in our Region" to be achieved by INJECTING an EXTRA $128,000 into Budget. = Website to cost approx $40,000 in the over INCREASED Budget of $251,0000, This includes $5,000 to Rename the Southern Expressway.
"Councils Revenue Team Leader says -;
"RATES are a TAX on Land VALUES -- NOT on the level of Service provided"
"We can NEVER say we provide the same level of Service to Every Property because it depends on the Level of Service you consume" = (SouthernTimesNewsPaper)
"Waiting lists for Public Housing Explodes PAST 20 YEARS
"Housing Trust homes being Sold to Community Title while Councils DEMAND $4 MILLION from State Government to cover Loss in Rates Revenue from Housing Trust Homes.
"Councils Pay $1 MILLION "ROYALTIES" on Rubble for Roads.
"Councils want $300,000 to Promote Live Music.
"SA Councils Collect & Pay to State Government $90 MILLION for Waste Levy.
"SA Government Treasurer (2017) did NOT respond to calls for comment.
"Onkaparinga Council will spend $250,000 to "Scope Out" ?? interest from private companies in the "HOPE" of delivering the Noarlunga Regional Centre Project" (SouthernTimes--June21--2017)
"Modelling" shows a 900 job creation.
"Onkarainga Council overspends conference Budget so Four Councillors can go to Canberra for a Four Day Council Conference at Cost of $11,600
"
,,,
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