COUNCILLOR John Katis has appeared in an Electoral Tribunal hearing defending
allegations of defamation and underhanded campaign tactics by unsuccessful
Robinvale candidate Tim Williams.
In Wednesday’s directions hearing Mr
Williams alleged Cr Katis breached the Local Government Act on 10 occasions and
Swan Hill Rural City Council’s code of conduct on 15 occasions.
He accused Cr
Katis of making false and defamatory statements; interfering with his rights as
an electoral candidate; as well as the printing and publication of electoral
advertisements, handbills, pamphlets or notices without identifying the
author.
“Mr Katis appeared on the only TV news bulletin and made unproven
allegations and gave information unproven and untrue about my character on
October 17,” Mr Williams claimed.
He said Cr Katis told the news reporter he
felt physically threatened.
Judgement is pending, awaiting the provision of
further documentation. Cr Katis won Robinvale at the recent local government
election by a margin of 20 votes.
