173Suspension of matters during election period

173 Suspension of matters during election period (1) Applications and proceedings made and conducted under this Division must be suspended during the election period for a general election. (2) If an application is made to a Councillor Conduct Panel for a finding of serious misconduct against a person who is a Councillor before a general election, and that person is not returned to the office of Councillor as a result of the general election, the application made against that person who was a Councillor before the election lapses. (3) If an application is made to a Councillor Conduct Panel for a finding of serious misconduct against a person who is a Councillor before a general election, and that person is returned to the office of Councillor as a result of the general election, the application made against the Councillor may resume, whether or not any applicant was returned to the office of Councillor as a result of the general election. (4) An application to VCAT on the grounds of gross misconduct made by the Chief Municipal Inspector against a person who is a Councillor before a general election must resume after the general election is held whether or not the person is returned to the office of Councillor.