The Beagle Editor, Dear Sir,
A systematic pattern of non-compliance with the NSW Electoral Act (2017) has again occurred throughout our Shire.
Political posters have appeared on roadside trees on public land exactly where it is expressly prohibited.
Warning letters have been issued by Council, and by the time all the posters come down the election will be over and no penalties will be applied.
Flushed with the success of this strategy the perpetrators will no doubt repeat the offence at the next election.
Note: this behaviour is not restricted to one party. However, one party is thoroughly dominating the non-compliant behaviour.
This election, photos have been taken which exactly locate some of the many the offences which are going unpunished.
They have been documented and supplied to both the Council and the NSW Electoral Commission so there can be no dispute about the pattern of breaching of the Act. (photo supplied)
If the beneficiary of the bulk of the illegality is elected it could be argued that an unfair advantage was gained over other candidates who chose to comply with the Act.
So, will it be like previous elections where no consequences are applied?
Or will penalties be applied with sufficient effect to discourage repetition of this bad behaviour in subsequent election campaigns?
Name supplied and withheld at the discretion of the Editor
