Ratepayers Vic Inc.

There will be a Presentation/Workshop tailor-made to Ratepayers Victoria on 4 March 2017, 1pm-4pm, Knox Council Offices. See inside for details.

Working with the Local Government Inspectorate
Revised Rate Capping Guidance 2017-18
Presentation/Workshop tailor-made to Ratepayers Victoria

Where: Knox Council Offices
511 Burwood Hwy,
Wantirna South VIC 3152

When: 4 March 2017
1PM-4PM Starting at 1PM Sharp.

Rates have been capped at 2.0% for 2017-2018 and Essential Services Commission has held workshops with councils about process and what is required for any cap variation. The workshop will provide an understanding of the expectations the Commission has of councils when they apply for a higher cap. Of particular interest is the requirement for legitimate consultation.

Complaints to the Inspectorate are many times rejected causing much frustration to ratepayers and residents. The IBAC presentation will be customized to this issue and you will have a better view of how to use the inspectorate to insure results.

These presentations will make it easier to monitor the performance of councils and help take corrective actions and get results when necessary.

DO NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!
Reserve your place for this conference at:ratepayersvictoria@outlook.com

Seating is limited so make sure to RSVP B4 25.2.16
Ratepayers Victoria, inc. (A004092M)

There are great things happening in local government and Ratepayers Victoria. ---

To keep up to date with our projects and with what is going on with local government, like our Ratepayers Victoria FaceBook page. https://www.facebook.com/ratepayersvictoria/
We are a volunteer organization and only exist from donations and memberships. Please support our efforts on your behalf and become a financial member. http://www.ratepayersvictoria.com.au/?page_id=52

Ratepayers have fewer and fewer rights in Victoria but it may be that they can refuse to pay their rates unless they are satisfied.

State Government removing right to know/approve new buildings next door

(As Reported on 3aw 15/3/12)

The State Government have submitted to parliament a law that council’s no longer have to advise abutting owners of a planning permit application or that the applicant must place a notice on the site.

This means that you will not be aware what is proposed next door nor will you have the option to object because the Planning application will have already been granted.

This is not in the best interest of Ratepayers or for local community, think about what this will mean.
If a councilor or a council officer or builder wants to have a planning application approved you will not know about the application, until the builders arrive.

Council Rates are they legal?

There has been much debate on this issue.

Victorian Ratepayers Inc.(RPV) from the facts presented to our organisation it would appear that Council’s have no legal right to collect rates, consider the following facts.

There is a core issue for us all in Australia, and that is whether municipal councils have the power/authority to charge "rates". Please consider

- In 1904, the High Court of Australia determined that municipal "rates" are a tax.

- In 1988, the people of Australia voted in a referendum in relation to municipal councils being recognised in the Commonwealth Constitution as a third tier of government.

The vote was NO!!!

- In 2009, [Pape V Commissioner of Taxation] the High Court said that "responsible government" involved three fundamental principles.

- 1/ The passing of legislation to collect tax (as public money for public purposes),

- 2/ Money collected must go into a Consolidated Revenue Fund, and

- 3/ The Parliament MUST make Bills for approval of the spending of those funds .. to become Acts.

- Consider whether municipal councils are able to be held as "responsible government" from this fundamental legal standard!

Now, if councils are not lawfully authorised as a third tier of government in several States for several reasons. The tax they collect is not done with lawful authority.

The standard set for responsible government by the Rule of Law applying to this country is upheld by the High Court, and we need to ensure this occurs in-so-far-as "rates" are concerned.

Your views on this matter are invited .

Emails To jack_d[AT]iinet.net.au Email Jack

MORE INFORMATION

Source of article material: Ratepayers Victoria Inc., "March News letter 2012"

Email ; ratepayersvictoria@ gmail.com Phone 03 9570 6227

Postal Address 8/1248 North Road Oakleigh South 3167

Website: http://www.ratepayersvictoria.com.au