UPDATE 24/6/15: Lorraine Wreford subsequently issued the following statement on 31 May 2015 via her Facebook page. Read more here.
“Some remarks attributed to me publicly have been taken as reflecting adversely on David Eden. I want to make it clear that I had no intention of reflecting adversely on the integrity of David Eden and I know of no basis for any such reflection. I am glad to say that Cr Eden enjoys a fine reputation and represents his community in a fine manner and I apologise if ever I said anything that suggests to the contrary.”
LABOR opposition leader Daniel Andrews has become embroiled in a legal stoush between Kingston councillor David Eden and Mordialloc MP Lorraine Wreford.
A staffer now employed in Mr Andrews’ office, Christopher Ransom, was the secretary of the Kingston Residents Association when Cr Eden supplied ratepayers’ funds to the group.
Ms Wreford is being sued for defamation by the first-term councillor over allegations Cr Eden failed to declare a conflict of interest when handing over $1500 worth of ward fund grants to the association.
Ms Wreford called the KRA “a closed shopfront for local Labor campaign activities fuelled by Kingston ratepayers’ money” in December last year (KRA ‘a Labor of Love’, The News, 18/12/13).
The KRA was founded by Cr Eden’s father, Nick Eden, in June 2012.
Business records reveal the association’s registered address when it was founded – 1 Berwen Lane, Chelsea – is the contact address Cr Eden lists on his own councillor website.
Nick Eden transferred the association to KRA president Maureen Lim’s stewardship in February 2013. He failed in a bid to be preselected as Labor’s state candidate for Carrum in January, missing out to Sonya Kilkenny.
At the same time, Mr Ransom failed to win preselection as Labor’s candidate for Mordialloc, with Tim Richardson chosen by the party faithful to stand in the electorate.
If Mr Ransom had been successful in his effort to be a candidate, he would have contested the seat of Mordialloc directly against Ms Wreford.
Ms Wreford confirmed Cr Eden “has stepped up action recently”.
“The matter involves comments made under Parliamentary privilege and should proceedings occur, allegations will be vigorously defended as such,” Ms Wreford said.
The state government has now abolished Victorian councils’ discretionary ward funding “to protect the reputation of the overwhelming number of councillors who are honourable hardworking people doing their utmost for their communities”, according to local government minister Tim Bull.
In April, Ms Wreford issued a media statement welcoming the state government’s move.
“Most Victorian councillors are decent people, but they are let down by the small few,” she said.
“A classic example is councillor discretionary ward funds. They are often seen as a ‘slush fund’ and are open to abuse such as propping up political front groups.
“For instance, the Kingston Residents Association is dominated by Labor Party members and is handed large amounts of ratepayer money by Labor aligned councillors,” Ms Wreford said.
Labor opposition spokesman Chris Reilly confirmed Mr Ransom works as an adviser in Mr Andrews’ Melbourne office at Parliament House. The News understands he began employment there in September 2013.
Mr Reilly said: “As there are legal proceedings underway it would not be appropriate to comment on the action taken against Ms Wreford by Cr Eden.”
Mr Ransom was secretary of the KRA from October 2012 until February 2014.
Cr David Eden allocated ward funds to the KRA in April and September last year.
He has denied any wrongdoing.
Funding to the KRA for “community advocacy” has also been distributed from ward funds by councillors Tamara Barth, Steve Staikos and Rosemary West.
Cr Eden was elected to Kingston Council in November 2012 at the age of 18.
Ms Wreford said Cr Eden’s legal action “is part of a campaign orchestrated by members of the Labor Party.”
Mr Ransom did not return calls from The News before publication.
