By Belinda Nolan
The Sunshine West resident appeared in the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court last Monday for a mention hearing over claims he distributed unauthorised how-to-vote cards during the 2008 council elections.
The former Harvester Ward councillor was charged in May last year, following a 17-month long investigation by the Local Government Inspectorate.
The breaches relate to inappropriate distribution of electoral material, along with two counts of providing false and misleading information.
Mr Siu has hired a lawyer and will be contesting the claims.
The trial was set for 5 September after the prosecution and defence were unable to negotiate during a case conference.
The trial is expected to take between two and three days.
The prosecution will call 11 witnesses, including those who made statements to the Inspectorate and Local Government Victoria.
Meanwhile, the defence is expected to call one witness to the stand.
A special mention hearing will be held on 10 August to determine whether the trial should be scheduled over two or three days and is ready to proceed.
The trial is due to commence on 5 September.
