At least two Intervention orders were taken out against opponents for physical altercations during last years Victorian council elections, according to an independent paper released by the state government.
The shocking figures revealed a 72 per cent spike in allegations made to the local government inspectorate, with 32 of the 456 complaints made leading to criminal investigations.
The report also highlighted a concern regarding the possible “commercial use” of voter’s private information.
Following the release of the figures this week, former federal Liberal MP and chairman of the local government electoral review panel Petro Georgiou said there was a “sense there needed to be reforms”.
The report did find councils conducting their elections by postal vote saw a higher rate of voting, with more seniors over the age of 70 getting involved.
Investigations continue into the allegations against candidates’ bad behavior, in addition to claims of forgery in the Moreland City Council voting process.
Source: The Age