LGV clears Richardson

CASEY councillor Paul Richardson will not be pursued over claims he leaked confidential information to the local media.
Local Government Victoria (LGV) has informed the Four Oaks Ward councillor that it would not be taking allegations that he breached section 77 of the Local Government Act, by disclosing confidential information, any further.
The allegations stemmed from an article printed in the local press in January, that disclosed information from an “in-camera” council meeting.
Council decided to write to the executive director, Local Government Victoria, advising of its concern that Cr Richardson had breached the Act in February.
In a letter addressed to Cr Richardson last month, acting executive director LGV and Community Information, John Watson, said that while some of the information Cr Richardson was alleged to have disclosed did not appear to be confidential within the meaning of section 77, he might have breached the Act by disclosing the name of the councillor who moved a motion at the closed meeting.
Although LGV has decided not to pursue the matter, Mr Watson strongly advised Cr Richardson to take greater care in regard to confidential information and to inform himself of the legal responsibilities of being a councillor as a matter of priority.
If Cr Richardson had been found guilty he could have been fined up to $10,481 and if convicted he would have been unable to be, or continue to be, a councillor for seven years.
Cr Richardson this week said he was happy the matter had been resolved and he was a “free man” once again.
He said he would be taking on board the advice given from Mr Watson, and said he would be keeping his nose clean so no other councillors could “touch him”.
Cr Richardson said he would also be throwing his hat into the ring in November to be Casey’s next mayor.
He said he believed he had a good chance of being elected, as he believed enough councillors would support him.