STATEMENT FROM GEOFF LAKE

Sunday, 11 August 2013

As reported, I am no longer the ALP-endorsed candidate for Hotham in the forthcoming federal election. In 2002, I was involved in a heated argument with a fellow Monash City Councillor. At the time of the incident, I was 22 years old. In the heat of the moment I made inappropriate and hurtful comments. I apologised for those comments at the time of the incident. I regretted making the comments then and continue to regret it now. In the past 11 years, this incident has been reported many times. It has been highlighted during each of my four successful re-election campaigns for Monash Council and my election for President of the Municipal Association of Victoria and the Australian Local Government Association. In the heat of a federal election campaign, the ALP has determined that the incident means I can no longer contest the election. I accept that decision. I categorically deny any other rumour or allegation of wrongdoing. I will continue to serve the community through my work as a Monash City Councillor and charitable activities. I wish my successor well and will continue to work for the re-election of a federal Labor Government. I will make no further statements during the course of the election.