By NATALIE GALLENTI
MELTON City Council mayor Kathy Majdlik last week welcomed the announcement that following an initial investigation by the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate, no further action will be taken in relation to an allegation of bribery and undue influence made against her.
A spokesperson for the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate told Star the investigation concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution under Section 59 of the Local Government Act.
In a statement released by the council Cr Majdlik said she welcomed the news that “the baseless allegations made against me have been proven exactly that”.
“I have never conducted myself in an inappropriate or illegal manner when campaigning for election to the Melton City Council,” Cr Majdlik said.
Cr Majdlik said she was disappointed with what appeared to be “a deliberate and cowardly attempt to smear my reputation and character”.
“The complaint alleged that I offered failed election candidate Mr Nathan Miles council funding for better animal management policies in exchange for his second preferences, and for the third preferences of another failed candidate, Ms Bianca Stewart. I never offered any such incentive,” she said.
Cr Majdlik that the allegations were a “personal attack from a failed candidate after I decided during the election to change my preferences”.
“Now that this matter has been definitively and absolutely resolved in my favour, as I have always maintained that it would, I am happy to get back to business and deliver the needs of the Melton City community.”
Cr Majdlik also thanked her fellow councillors, council staff and members of the community for their support.
When responding to questions from Star last week, Cr Majdlik said it is important for people to know that the Local Government Inspectorate must look into any allegations that are made to them, regardless of the credibility of the complainant, or the chance of a claim being upheld.
“In many cases, allegations are found to be lacking in any substance and are quickly dismissed, like what happened to me. So it’s important the people understand the distinction between a mere allegation and a formal charge with further investigation.”
Mr Miles told Star he was disappointed with the outcome and described it as a “sad day” for the community.
“I’m very disappointed for the community that there was insufficient evidence to satisfy the burden of proof to prosecute Kathy Majdlik,” Mr Miles told Star.
Meanwhile Cr Majdlik said the council is hopeful of soon reaching a legal solution that will re-establish the good order of public meetings.
“This will also allow members of our community, many of who are absolutely fed up with the troublemakers, to once again attend our council meetings without being threatened and intimidated by a handful of conspiracy theorists.”
