UPDATE 9/11/24: The Age is reporting Solway Ward has gone to Greens candidate John Friend-Pereira with 52.82% of the vote. There are now two Greens candidates on Boroondara Council.
As a follower of international politics, I’ve spent the past 48 hours trying to console myself with stupid cat videos on Instagram between bouts of despair. On the plus side, refusing to read any news for two days means I am getting a lot more work done.
Yesterday, desperate to read something that does not make me what to stab my eye out with a fork at the state of the world, I checked on the incoming results of the Victorian local council elections.
Well, well, well. Change is afoot.
In previous years, Boroondara councillors have traditionally embraced the centre-right principles of economic and social conservativism of the 80-year-old Australian Liberal Party. This is how this historically played out. Camberwell refused to allow anyone to play sport on Sundays until well into the 1960s when everyone else in Melbourne got to play soon after World War II. In this century, Boroondara refused to overturn its 100-year-old dry area by-laws until forced to by the State Government in 2020. Even last year, Councillors were so resistant to change that it took a three-year campaign by one of its only leftish-leaning councillors to overturn the recitation of the Council prayer at Council meetings.
I feel confident in saying that Boroondara Council does not like change. But it’s going to have to, and fast. Although the results won’t be finalised until 15 November, the residents of Boroondara have overwhelmingly joined the trend away from the principles of the 21st century version of the Liberal Party towards those embraced by “teal” politicians.
A “teal” is quite new to Victorian politics. It is defined as an individual who embraces the economic liberalism of the old Liberal Party but is also socially progressive with a commitment to environmentalist principles commonly associated with the Australian Greens. The “teal” colour is generally used in a candidate’s promotional material to represent a mix of the royal blue of the Liberal Party and the green of the Greens.
It is important to note here that although most current and incoming Boroondara Councillors self-describe as “independent” this does not mean they identify as “teal”. Some are right-leaning, some are left-leaning. For the purposes of this article the definition of “left” is a personal ideology that emphasises equality, fraternity, rights, progress, and reform; and “right” represents authority, hierarchy, order, duty, and tradition.
What do you need to know about this election?
Well, vote-counting is veeeery slow going. The Victorian Electoral Commission does not post live results on their website. The results quoted below are from the last update on Boroondara a few days ago and what some candidates have posted on their social media feeds. I will update the post when new information becomes available.
Here is what we know so far (close of counting Thursday 7 November):
Three of eleven councillors did not stand for re-election
Only four sitting councillors retained their Ward
Only one councillor still publicly associates themselves with the Liberal Party
The Australian Labor Party doesn’t bother showing up in Boroondara
The representation of the Greens Party (considered the most “left” of mainstream Australian political parties) could potentially move from one to two
Teal-identifying candidates look likely to gain four wards, with three others going to left-leaning candidates (i.e. they publicly indicate support for the rights of LGBTQIA people and climate action)
The one “new” candidate who is a right-leaning independent is not new at all. In fact, he was a councillor 20 years ago. He’s looking at a very different Council from when he was there back in the 20th century.
[UPDATED 9/11/24: Solway has gone to John Friend-Pereira of the Greens.] Solway Ward is currently a three-way split between John Friend-Pereira, Kate Bellamy and Zach Townend, with John currently a whisker in front. Its going to come down to preferences. This section of Ashburton and Glen Iris is historically far more left-leaning than the rest of Boroondara so this is not surprising. I also talk about how this has played out in my book.
If Council positions are a training ground for future state and federal politicians, the Victorian arm of the Liberal Party is unlikely to find potential candidates from Boroondara Council any time soon.
Let’s break it down.
Bellevue Ward (Balwyn North, Kew and Kew East)
Outgoing: Cr Jim Parke (first elected in 2012, did not seek re-election)
Profession: Lawyer with FCPA
Political affiliation: “Independent” (right-leaning)
Incoming: Michael Nolan (44.87% of the vote and counting)
Profession: Engineer and Project Director in manufacturing
Political affiliation: “Independent” (supports LGBTQIA issues, supports climate action)
What Michael Says: “Most people I've spoken to want more community consultation, and more transparent communication from Council. Rate-payers want responsible spending and to keep rates lower. Residents near North-East Link want stronger representation - on noise, trees, and new bus routes. Council must make sure the Vic Govt doesn't 'cut corners' when it comes to NE-Link. Bellevue needs a fresh focus, with strong community-informed priorities and new councillor representation.”
Cotham Ward (suburbs around Cotham Road)
Retained by incumbent: Felicity Sinfield (first elected 2016, successfully re-elected with 63.44% of the vote)
Profession: Acting Inspector, Victoria Police
Political affiliation: Liberal
What Felicity Says: “We can already see the next Council will be vastly different, energised and issue-motivated. I hope the leadership of the 4 returning Councillors will ensure we collectively remain focused on core business, maintaining our rating as the number 1 place to live in Victoria (as determined independently through the Liveability Census by Place Score), and the number 1 municipality as determined in the Community Satisfaction Survey conducted independently by JWS Research).”
Gardiner Ward (parts of Ashburton, Camberwell, Hawthorn East, Glen Iris)
Retained by incumbent: Victor Franco (first elected 2020, successfully re-elected with 54.52% of the vote)
Profession: Senior public service roles
Political affiliation: Independent (supports climate action, support-ish of Rainbow Votes)
What Victor Says: My priorities are:
Ensuring council is well-run, open and transparent, financially responsible and listens to our community.
Opposing the State Government plan to allow developments of up to 6 storeys in heritage areas and low scale single dwelling leafy streets.
A major new park at Camberwell Junction to complete the full Camberwell Green vision.
A major new park in Glen Iris on the site of the former Hartwell Tennis Club site.
A new Green Corridor Strategy to create an expanded network of trails, parks, and biodiversity sites across Boroondara.
A new biodiversity corridor and shared-path walking trail from Hartwell to Camberwell.
Supporting local businesses, schools, sports clubs, libraries, and community groups.
Strong environmental leadership and implementation of our Climate Action Plan.
Regenerating Gardiners Creek and Back Creek protecting trees and growing our canopy.
Supporting planning outcomes which protect our heritage, promote design excellence, and encourage sustainability.
Appropriate development in Camberwell Junction and protecting surrounding neighbourhoods.
A comprehensive independent organisational review to drive efficiency and review expenditure.
Glenferrie Ward (parts of Hawthorn and Kew)
Retained by incumbent: Wes Gault (first elected 2020, successfully re-elected with 53.39% of the vote)
Profession: Engineer, architect and international company director
Political affiliation: Greens
real climate action, to address both corporate and community emissions
better building standards
ongoing expansion of walking and cycling trails
expanding our tree canopy
development of good affordable housing whilst protecting our outstanding heritage precincts
revitalisation of all of our main strip shopping centres
completing Kew Recreation Centre, without significant additional costs to
ratepayers
prudent library upgrades.
Junction Ward (Camberwell Junction and surrounds)
Outgoing: Di Gillies (first elected in 2020)
Profession: Former small business owner, nurse and employee of an international not-for-profit medical aid organisation
Self-proclaimed Political Affiliation: Independent (right-leaning, does not support Rainbow Alliance or advocate for strong climate action)
Incoming: Mal Osbourne-Smith (55.35% of the vote)
Profession: Property acquisition, development and management professional
Political Affiliation: Independent (support-ish of Rainbow Votes, supports climate action – at least more than predecessor)
What Mal Wants: I’m standing because I want to get on with reinvigorating Camberwell Junction. The Junction is tired. It’s functional but not fun. It’s lost its soul. We have been planning for decades but too little has been done. Now State Government is demanding more houses in our Junction and proposing changes to planning laws to achieve this.
We need to strongly resist overreaching targets by State Government for housing that will threaten our heritage homes and streetscapes forever. We need to demand our fair share of funding from State and Federal Governments for infrastructure required.
Lynden Ward (Camberwell, Canterbury, Surrey Hills)
Re-elected incumbent: Lisa Hollingsworth (elected 2016, successfully re-elected with 55.51% of the vote)
Profession: SME Executive in domestic building industry
Political affiliation: Previously affiliated with the Liberal Party, currently states she is ‘independent’ – teal-coloured promotional materials, partial support for Rainbow Votes, “good” record on climate issues)
What Lisa says: “Protect our heritage, safeguard our environment, enhance green open spaces, support local business, and stimulate economic recovery.
Maling Ward (Balwyn, Canterbury, Deepdene and Surrey Hills)
Outgoing: Jane Addis (first elected 2012)
Profession: Psychologist and business owner
Political affiliation: Independent (right-leaning, does not support Rainbow Alliance)
Incoming: Shima Ibuki (55.1% of the vote)
Profession: Financial services executive
Political affiliation: Teal
What Shima Says: I am running as your local candidate because Maling Ward needs a fresh perspective and an effective councillor who will actively represent your interests at Council. By listening to your voices, I will work to ensure Boroondara Council delivers more outcomes that better align with the values and needs of residents, families, and businesses in Maling Ward.
From her Facebook page: "As your Councillor, I promise to advocate tirelessly for Maling Ward with integrity and a strong sense of responsibility. I am committed to ensuring that the voices of our community are heard and valued, and I will work to make decisions that reflect your needs and aspirations. I am also looking forward to working cooperatively with my fellow Councillors, both returning and new."
Maranoa Ward (Balwyn -Surrey Hills)
Outgoing: Cynthia Watson (elected in 2016)
Profession: I can’t tell.
Political affiliation: Liberal
Incoming: Chris Pattas (elected with 41.20% of the vote)
Profession: “leadership across private industry and government”
Political affiliation: Unaligned (left-ish on climate issues, not interested in LGBTQIA issues)
What Chris Says (NB: Chris does not have much online presence about his campaign – this is from a Greek-Australian online newspaper): I bring extensive experience and dedication. I’ve previously served as a Councillor and Mayor, so I understand how local government works. I am passionate about family values, engaging with diverse community members, and upholding the rights of all people. I have a track record of keeping my promises and addressing issues that impact our community. I’m not politically aligned, but I work effectively with all parties and stakeholders. I also have strong communication skills and media training, which allows me to clearly represent our community’s concerns.
Riversdale Ward (Glen Iris, Hawthorn, Hawthorn East)
Outgoing: Susan Biggar (elected in 2020, did not seek re-election)
Profession: Journalist and consumer health advocate
Political affiliation: Unaffiliated
Incoming: Rob Bailleu (46.64% of the vote)
Profession: ex-Army, volunteer manager and consultant
Political affiliation: Teal
What Rob Says: “This election has been a stunning rebuke of major party politics in local governments. Independent community driven politics is here to stay.
Significantly, the collective results show that there is an overwhelming mandate within the community for climate action. This will be my first priority.”
Solway Ward (Ashburton, Camberwell and Glen Iris)
Outgoing: Garry Thompson (elected in 2016, did not seek re-election)
Profession: Architect
Political affiliation: Liberal
Incoming: Still too close to call. John Friend-Pereira is currently the front-runner (29.24%)
Profession: Director – See Beyond Borders (Education consultancy), parent
Political affiliation: Greens
Studley Ward (parts of Kew)
Outgoing: Nick Stavrou (elected in 2020)
Profession: Banking and finance consultant
Political affiliation: Independent (right-leaning)
Incoming: Sophie Torney (43.8% of the vote)
Profession: Businesswoman
Political affiliation: Teal
What Sophie Says: Boroondara Council is failing on climate, accountability, community consultation and its duty to plan responsibly for our future. As your local representative, I will accelerate household electrification, protect our precious tree canopy, and promote a new culture of transparency and accountability within Boroondara Council.
What does it all mean?
Disclaimer: I'm a historian, not a political analyst.
Councillors who identify as teal are loosely aligned on principle but not members of the same political party. According to Tallyroom.com historically, even the Liberal-aligned candidates of Boroondara didn't consistently vote as a bloc. This means that it will be awhile before we see how alliances between councillors emerge, if they do at all. The Greens have not faired particularly well across Melbourne, so if John Friend-Pereira gets up in Solway this will make Boroondara Council more aligned to the make up of Merri-bek and Melbourne City Council than its predecessors.
[sarcasm alert] Folks, this is what happens when your adult kids raised in our socialist education system can't afford to move out of your comfy upper-middle class home. [/sarcasm]
I think with a Council like this heritage protection and environmental sustainability could conflict in the same way that development conflicts with heritage now. What will not change is Boroondara Council's perpetual conflict with the Victorian Labor Government over development, especially with the State Government's plans for massive re-development at Camberwell Junction. The election of a property developer to Junction Ward over a right wing incumbent prone to resisting change is an intriguing development there.
I do think there will be an increase in more sustainable environmental infrastructure, especially around electrical vehicles and apartments. There are no current statistics of EV take-up by local government area but from driving around, it looks to me like Boroondara residents have embraced them. The new councillors all cite commitments to improving green spaces but whether this means improving built infrastructure or more environmentally sustainable land management remains to be seen.
Boroondara has very high housing vacancy rates (7.2% in 2023 according to Prosper Australia's Vacancy Report). There are two long-term vacant properties in my street alone. Perhaps the change in Council will mean more is done about it in the midst of a housing crisis. While I'm a supporter of protecting our built heritage and recording our rich history, we do need to move with the times and do our bit to help manage this issue.
To sum up, I think this new Council structure is a positive development for improvements in our community. Boroondara is one of the richest LGAs in Victoria. It would be great to see it leading the way with innovative solutions that balance our past and future, rather than spending all its time trying to stop change from happening.
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