Dear Ms. Govil,

I refer to your below email to this Office.

The issues you raise do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Small
Business Commissioner. However, my understanding is that special rates for
marketing/promotion, etc. are levied by local councils, and apply to all
traders in the defined area/scope. The basis on which such special levies
are made by the local council would be governed by the council, whether
through local by-laws or legislation. Separately, traders may join a
Chamber of Commerce, which are typically not-for-profit incorporated
associations with their own organisational rules. My understanding from
other instances of special rate levies is that traders involved in the
special rates may or may not be members of the relevant business chamber.
You should ascertain whether it is the Chamber or the local council who is
responsible for surveying traders regarding their support or otherwise for
the special rate to continue.

I also note that your query is headed 'Freedom of Information request'.
This Office does not deal with Freedom of Information requests.

Regards

David Hildebrand | Senior Manager
Office of the Victorian Small Business Commissioner
Level 2, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Vic 3000
T: 03 9651 7645 | F: 03 9651 9943 | E: [email address] |
W: vsbc.vic.gov.au
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From: Meera Govil <[FOI #1734 email]>
To: FOI requests at Victorian Small Business Commissioner
<[Victorian Small Business Commissioner request email]>,
Date: 11/03/2016 09:04 PM
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Renewal of SpecialRates by
Eltham Chamber of Commerce

Dear Victorian Small Business Commissioner,
The Eltham Chamber of Commerce has sent out a hand delivered notice about
the renewal of Special rates, an extra rate that some traders have paid for
10 years for promotional activities in and around the main business
precinct.

As a paid up member of the Chamber of Commerce a request has been made to
view the list of traders who pay the special rates and a list of traders
who have voted yes/no/undecided.This is being denied under the rules of
privacy. However, I have been told by the promotions manager that the lists
can be viewed at a Chamber meeting the date of which is to be decided, that
notes cannot be made or the list copied.My concern is that decisions will
be made before I can review the lists to ensure that the majority have
actually voted for the renewal of rates.

I would like to review these lists as soon as possible.

Yours faithfully,
Meera Govil

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