(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.