VEC probing letter to Barwon Heads voters

By John Van Klaveren
AN UNATTRIBUTED and unathorised election campaign letter mailed to 1500 Barwon Heads voters is under Victorian Electoral Commission investigation.
The Independent understands the letter, signed “concerned residents of Barwon Heads”, is critical of incumbent Buckley councillor Andy Richards.
Commission returning officer Eeon Macaulay said his office had investigated the letter and referred it to the VEC and Department of Local Government.
The office had investigated the letter “as far as the sources are concerned”, Mr Macaulay said.
“We’re satisfied that no VEC resources were used and there was no misuse of electoral resources given to candidates.”
City of Greater Geelong gives candidates a CD of the municipal electoral roll as part of a package of election material.
But they must provide a signed undertaking not to misuse the information.
Cr Richards said the dirty tricks campaign was no surprise.