A Maitland Councilor whose car was vandalised last month, is calling on the council to support a motion he hopes will better protect those in public office.
A motion will be discussed at Tuesday nights council meeting, to write to the NSW Government and the NSW Electoral Commissioner requesting a review and reconsideration of the requirement for Council candidates to disclose their residential address on any election material.
According to the NSW Electoral Commission, electoral materials, either printed or posted on social media "must include the name and street address of the person who authorised the material and the name of the printer and the street address of the premises at which it was printed."
Those running in state and federal elections are not required to print their home addresses and are allowed to use a PO Box as their mailing address. This was the case for the 2017 local government elections but the rules have since been changed.
Cr Mitchell says it's not just about his own safety, but that of other councilors as well.
"The motion isn't really just about me, other councilors have reported members of the public turn up and threaten them at their homes. It's about ensuring the safety of all candidates who choose to run for council.
"I am hoping for support across the chamber, I've had indications from most of the councilors that they will support the motion," Cr Mitchell said.
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| Pictured: Maitland Council Chambers |
