By Campbell Spence, President of Residents of Port Phillip, Inc.  

An anonymous group are distributing information that falsely imputes that some ‘Councillors are for sale’. Make no mistake, this is a nasty political hit job to stop the election of truly independent Councillors who are a threat to the political parties.

The flyer regurgitates unsubstantiated claims first published in The Age on 2 July in relation to fundraising activities by the Residents of Port Phillip. 

These claims are disingenuous because political parties raise money for election campaigns through memberships and selling tickets for dinners and events where donors have access to Councillors and Members of Parliament. Our fundraising is no different to the political parties.

Residents of Port Phillip are not selling access to Cr Clark and Cr Sirakoff who are RoPP endorsed Councillors and have always acted with the highest integrity. Any resident can contact them at any time via telephone, email or meetings without being a donor.

Cr Clark and Cr Sirakoff have worked tirelessly for residents by advocating for

1. Rates freeze to be delivered through efficiencies without cutting services. 
2. Removal of the unnecessary and dangerous pop-up bike lanes. 
3. Stopping the removal of car lanes on Kerferd Road.
4. Stopping the removal of 114 car parks in Inkerman Street
5. Stopping the building of public toilets near the entrance of St Kilda Park Primary. 
6. Appropriate location of seating on Fitzroy Street. 
7. Opposing inappropriate developments. 

We have proudly supported residents on many matters over the past four years without any expectation of a donation and anyone is welcome to attend our community meetings. We proudly offer donors access to discounts at more than 120 retailers which can save up to $1,000 per year in this cost-of-living crisis. 

Recently Nina Taylor, Member for Albert Park hosted a $990 per person dinner where constituents had access to the MP and Deputy Premier. Councillor Tim Baxter hosted a fundraising dinner to fund his campaign in the Council elections. Are these politicians for sale? 

Residents of Port Phillip are seeking donations to fund the election of competent, independent candidates who will put residents first ahead of political agendas and vested interests.   

Finally, we are willing to discuss this matter further and meet any residents to discuss. Email us at mail@ropp.org.au or call Campbell on 0414386198.