VIC:Ombudsman calls for code of conduct review

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2011
VIC:Ombudsman calls for code of conduct review

The Victorian Ombudsman has called on the new state government to review its ministerial
code of conduct .. after revelations of a sham community consultation to stop the controversial
Hotel Windsor redevelopment by its predecessor.

Last February a leaked email by then planning minister JUSTIN MADDEN'S media adviser
alleged that his office intended to run a sham public consultation process to halt the
redevelopment in central Melbourne.

Ombudsman GEORGE BROUWER has made 17 recommendations .. including that ministerial
advisers and the minister's chiefs of staff should be made accountable for checking the
accuracy of information contained within media plans.

He says a review of the ministerial code of conduct should acknowledge that ministerial
staff do not have the power to direct public officers in their own right .. and that executive
decisions are made by ministers.

AAP RTV ees/gfr/af

KEYWORD: WINDSOR (MELBOURNE)

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