Rates are not being refused, as such. Its a conditional acceptance situation.

We’re not “refusing” to pay rates.

What we’ve done is revoke the delegated authority councils rely on and asked them to prove lawful jurisdiction before enforcement.

Most councils rely on assumed authority flowing from historic mortgage instruments and powers of attorney. Even when a mortgage is discharged, those powers are often still treated as if they exist — without proof.

Two years ago, a public notice was issued revoking any such delegated powers. That revocation does not require acceptance by the agent to be effective.

Since then, councils have:

• continued issuing automated demands

• not rebutted the revocation

• not provided an audit trail or proof of authority

So payment is withheld pending proof, not refused.

This is about due process and transparency, not avoiding obligations.

If councils can show:

• where their authority comes from, and

• that no unauthorised or duplicate recovery is occurring

then the matter resolves properly.

Until then, enforcement without proof is not lawful.