Sophie Conlon
After failing to lodge his campaign disclosure returns and being stood down as an elected member from the City of Mount Gambier, a new State Government Bill has allowed Mark Lovett to take back his seat on council.
The Local Government (Casual Vacancies) Amendment Bill 2023 was passed in parliament and allowed 45 councillors who did not meet their disclosure obligations for last year’s council elections and had subsequently lost their seats to be reinstated.
Mayor Lynette Martin said the council was sitting in a strong position with the return of Cr Lovett.
“I think it’s good that a sensible outcome has been achieved,” she said.
“The South Australian Local Government Association advocated on behalf of the sector for a sensible outcome and I am pleased that’s been reached.”
She said it affected so many councils and elected members, and reinstating those who lost their seats saved a huge cost to South Australian ratepayers.
A South Australian Electoral Commission (ECSA) spokesperson said councillors who had not lodged their returns had an extra 10 days to do so.
“The elected members are responsible for ensuring they understand and comply with relevant legislation,” the spokesperson said.
“ECSA will continue to provide guidance to candidates to assist meeting these legislative obligations.”
With Cr Lovett’s return, council would still be down one elected member with Ben Hood taking a position on the Legislative Council.
Ms Martin said this matter was still in the hands of ECSA.
Cr Lovett only missed one council meeting during the time he was stood down, though he submitted an apology for the March 21 meeting, his first after being reinstated.
Mark Lovett was contacted for comment.
