Investigation over campaign signs

POLICE officer Brett Owen was last week the subject of an internal inquiry after it was claimed signs promoting his candidacy in the Cardinia Shire Council elections were put up illegally.
The inquiry was resolved without further action when investigators were told Mr Owen did have a permit from VicRoads for the signs, placed alongside Princes Highway at Officer.
Mr Owen said he applied for, and received, a permit but that it was later revoked.
VicRoads has the right to remove or request the removal of any signs if it is considered that road safety may be compromised.
The complaint to the Victoria Police’s Ethical Standards Department is believed to have been made anonymously.
A police spokesperson said a complaint had been received, the signs had been removed, and the matter was now resolved.
The situation was met with concern by Mr Owen’s supporters, who labelled it part of a ‘dirty tricks’ campaign.
Mr Owen is one of 10 people standing for Central Ward where the theft and vandalism of candidates’ signs has been an ongoing saga in recent weeks.
Current mayor and candidate Garry Runge said he had had signs cut down while other candidates have reported signs being vandalised or gone missing.
Mr Owen said the latest incident had been an unhappy distraction during his campaign.
He said he had had other signs stolen over the past couple of weeks.
Mr Owen said he knew of other candidates who had signs along the highway.
He said the incident highlighted a need to have a clearer policy about signage — and where they could be put — before the next election.