The City of Boroondara is taking steps to overhaul its management of election signage following a high-profile legal battle during the 2025 Federal Election.
The move follows a “proliferation” of unauthorised signs at a Kew pre-poll station last year, which Council says created significant safety risks for pedestrians. While most political groups adhered to safety limits, the Liberal Party successfully sought a Supreme Court injunction to keep their signs in place.
Though the Court acknowledged Council’s right to maintain public safety, it also questioned whether current local laws unfairly restrict political speech. In response, Boroondara is now drafting a new “Electoral Signage Safety Guideline” and seeking to amend its Amenity Local Law to provide clearer, legally robust rules for future campaigns.
Council also plans to write to the Federal Government, calling for the Australian Electoral Commission to be given greater authority to manage signage, bringing federal rules closer to the more stringent standards used in Victorian state elections.
