The Local Government Inspectorate – a threat to ALL workers

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. Current state government has now set up the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate (LGI). The LGI is intended to investigate corruption and illegal activity at the highest levels of local government but can interview ‘any person’. Retired Victoria Police Inspector David Wolf has been appointed Chief Municipal Inspector along with at least 10 other inspectors. The LGI is directly appointed by the Minister and is not subject to the Public Administration Act (which would have provided some 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 a 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 below. There are many similarities between the LGI and the Australian Building Construction Commission (ABCC). Both:· Are headed and staffed by ex- police inspectors;· Can force us to provide information and documents;· Can force us to answer questions removing common law right to silence;· Have maximum penalties of 2 years jail and heavy fines:o LGI - $28,000 (240 penalty units),o ABCC - up to $13,200. The LGI’s powers are a threat to ALL workers and anyone connected to LG because they apply to any person. The LGI even intimidated a newspaper reporter during the recent Geelong City Council Steak Sandwich dispute with 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 campaign to inform people of the laws and to have the LGI abolished. For more information see www.recoverourrights.org.au href="http://www.recoverourrights.org.au/">http://www.recoverourrights.org.au or call the ASU on 0418 566 408. Richard DuffyOrganiserAustralian Services Union - Victorian Authorities & Services Branch116 Queensberry StreetCarlton South, VIC 3053p: (03) 9342 3442f: (03) 9342 3498m: 0425 722 548www.asuvic.asn.au www.asuvic.asn.au www.asuvic.asn.au/">http://www.asuvic.asn.au

Authorised and printed by: Brian Parkinson, Secretary, Australian Services Union
Victorian Authorities & Services Branch, 116 Queensberry Street, Carlton South, Victoria, 3053, Australia
Campaign Launch
*** PLEASE WEAR BLACK CLOTHES***
Support the ASU campaign to get rid of the secret
Local Government police (LGI)
Wednesday March 3
10am
Melbourne Town Hall
Swanston Street
Hear from ASU state secretary Brian Parkinson
and others about why we need this campaign and
how we must stand together to defend our rights.
“We WILL NOT cop penalties of 2 years jail or fines of
$28,000 if we’ve done nothing wrong.”
RSVP to Richard Duffy 0425 722 548 or rduffy@asuvic.com