Cr Les Larke By Catherine Watson
BASS Coast Shire Council has asked Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog to investigate the alleged leaking of information about a probe into allegations of bribery against Cr Les Larke.
Council CEO Ali Wastie yesterday released a statement that she had referred the matter to Victoria’s Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC).
“During the 2020 Bass Coast Local Government Election period, Council received a request to investigate the alleged leaking of confidential information relating to the Local Government Inspectorate’s investigation into an alleged incident involving Councillor Larke in 2018.
BASS Coast Shire Council has asked Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog to investigate the alleged leaking of information about a probe into allegations of bribery against Cr Les Larke.
Council CEO Ali Wastie yesterday released a statement that she had referred the matter to Victoria’s Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC).
“During the 2020 Bass Coast Local Government Election period, Council received a request to investigate the alleged leaking of confidential information relating to the Local Government Inspectorate’s investigation into an alleged incident involving Councillor Larke in 2018.
“The alleged leaking of confidential information is a serious matter and I have referred the complaint to IBAC for investigation.
“Council will not be in a position to make any further comment until the outcome of the referral to IBAC is known.”
The Victorian Local Government Inspectorate last month stated it would take no further action against Cr Les Larke on allegations that he tried to bribe four councillors to elect him mayor in 2018.
Releasing the findings, Acting Chief Municipal Inspector Dr John Lynch stated:
"A complainant alleged that Cr Larke attempted to bribe fellow councillors in order to secure nomination as mayor for Bass Coast Shire Council in breach of section 76D of the Local Government Act 1989. This occurred at the councillor only meeting held on 31 October 2018.
"The complaint alleges that Cr Larke offered each ward $5 million in exchange for the vote as mayor.
"The investigation did not find evidence that Cr Larke had misused his position in breach of section 76D(2) of the Act. The Inspectorate will take no further action in this matter."
Mr Larke is contesting the current election for the new council and is one of three candidates in a battle for the third spot in the Bunurong Ward. The final declaration of the poll will be made tomorrow morning.
“Council will not be in a position to make any further comment until the outcome of the referral to IBAC is known.”
The Victorian Local Government Inspectorate last month stated it would take no further action against Cr Les Larke on allegations that he tried to bribe four councillors to elect him mayor in 2018.
Releasing the findings, Acting Chief Municipal Inspector Dr John Lynch stated:
"A complainant alleged that Cr Larke attempted to bribe fellow councillors in order to secure nomination as mayor for Bass Coast Shire Council in breach of section 76D of the Local Government Act 1989. This occurred at the councillor only meeting held on 31 October 2018.
"The complaint alleges that Cr Larke offered each ward $5 million in exchange for the vote as mayor.
"The investigation did not find evidence that Cr Larke had misused his position in breach of section 76D(2) of the Act. The Inspectorate will take no further action in this matter."
Mr Larke is contesting the current election for the new council and is one of three candidates in a battle for the third spot in the Bunurong Ward. The final declaration of the poll will be made tomorrow morning.