Thursday, 12 September 2024

 David LIMBRICK (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:31): (674) My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Local Government. In just over a month Victorians will vote in local government elections. With a lot more focus on the role of local government in planning decisions that shape our state, I am sure many people will be paying attention. There is a strange provision in the City of Melbourne Act 2001, however, where people who are not citizens, permanent residents, business owners or property owners paying rates are permitted to vote. They simply need to be an occupier of a rateable property for a least one month before the close of the roll. I think that most people would consider that allowing non-citizens to vote in this way is quite strange. Minister, why are temporary residents allowed to vote in the Melbourne City Council elections?

 Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:31): I thank Mr Limbrick for his question, and in accordance with the standing orders I will refer it to the Minister for Local Government.

 David LIMBRICK (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:32): I thank the minister for passing that on. My supplementary question is: Minister, how many temporary residents as defined by section 9B of the City of Melbourne Act 2001 voted in the previous local government election?

 Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:32): Thank you, Mr Limbrick. I will pass that question on to the Minister for Local Government.