Register of Requests for Information from Election Candidates
Council recognises that all candidates in an election have a right to information held by Council.
However, it is important that sitting Councillors continue to receive information that is necessary to fulfil their elected roles. Neither Councillors nor candidates will receive information or advice from Council staff that might be perceived to support election campaigns and there shall be complete transparency in the provision of all information and advice during the Election Period.
A Register of Requests for Information from Candidates (the Register) in the upcoming Council election will be kept from the close of nominations to the day of the election which will record requests by persons who identify themselves as candidates when seeking information from Council. The register will also record the responses provided.
*We will publish the responses to all requests except those that are personal in nature and may be in breach of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic).
The Register will be updated regularly by Council’s Governance team with requests from candidates being added to ensure equity of information for all candidates.
Any enquiries regarding the Register can be directed to Council’s Governance team by phoning 9599 4691 or by emailing Robert Lamb, rlamb@bayside.vic.gov.au.
| Date | Information requested | Response |
|---|---|---|
| 20/9/2024 | A query was received regarding the condition of Sandringham footpaths and the Bay Road/Station Street Roundabout. | Bay Road/Station Street Roundabout: We have planted this roundabout several times since its reconstruction in 2003. It was supposed to have a large palm in the centre; however, a gas main running down the centre of it prevented tree planting. Since then, it has been continually driven over by trucks and buses, to the point that further planting attempts are not appropriate. Sandringham Footpaths: As for the overall outlook on the footpaths, we are planning to resurface them in Sandringham Village this financial year subject to community engagement to ensure they are in optimal condition. We’re currently working closely with our Economic Development team to ensure that the project is well-coordinated, with appropriate notification and staging in place to minimise any impact on local traders. |
| 2/10/2024 | A query was received regarding where candidates can distribute electoral material and place electoral signage. | The candidate was referred to Council's dedicated webpage dealing with this information: https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/council/council-elections/election-or-political-signs |
| 3/10/2024 | A query was received regarding any requirement of candidates to publicly disclose their residential address; and if the authorisation of electoral material must include the candidate's residential address. | The VEC has advised that there is no requirement that a candidate publicly disclose their residential address. Authorisation of electoral material: Electoral material must not be printed, published, or distributed unless the name and address of the person who authorised the electoral material is clearly visible on the side of the material. The address can be a street address or a PO Box address but cannot be an email address. Authorisation requirements do not apply to car stickers, items of clothing, lapel buttons and badges, fridge magnets, pens, pencils, or balloons. A candidate may authorise and print their own electoral material (but it is not a requirement that this be the candidate - it may be the candidate's campaign manager for example). This requirement always applies, not just during an election period. It applies to all people, not just candidates and registered political parties. |