Lucas will seek leave

Baw Baw Shire councillor Ben Lucas will seek a leave of absence ahead of November's state election rather than resign from representing the West Ward.

Shire chief executive officer Tilla Buden stated last Wednesday in a public statement "the leave of absence will remain effective until the election is complete as per the Municipal Association of Victoria guidelines."

Before discussing the matter with fellow councillors, Cr Lucas told The Gazette he was "a team player" who wanted to "keep the group together."

Longstanding past Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood was a serving councillor when he was elected to state parliament in 2006.

Cr Lucas dismissed any notion that his role on council was being used as "just a stepping stone" of any political design, likening it rather to an extension of his commitment to the local area.
Another current councillor, Rochelle Halstead of Bass Coast Shire, is currently running her a state election campaign for the Liberal Party, without resigning from her local government role.
Cr Lucas filmed himself informing his fellow councillors, dressed in an adidas sports jacket of One Nation orange, which he later posted to social media. In the video, Cr Lucas acknowledged "there's people out there that think I should have stepped away a long time ago."
There is no legislation compelling a councillor to take leave while standing as a candidate for a state or federal election.
Municipal Association of Australia (MAV) guidelines recommend nominated candidates should apply for a leave of absence during the election period, beginning no later than the date of nomination as a candidate and concluding no earlier than the close of voting date.
Former Cr Annemarie McCabe sought a leave of absence when she stood as an independent candidate for Narracan at the last state election.