Dubbo Regional Council: Councillors reject reporting on expenses each month

A council in the state’s central west has rejected a proposal which would have outlined where a sum of ratepayers' money would have gone each month. Here’s the latest.

Dubbo Regional Council has rejected a motion of reporting on councillor expenses. Picture: Ryan Young

A regional council in the state’s central west has rejected a bid to be “transparent” with ratepayers in a monthly report outlining council staff expenditure.

In last week’s Dubbo Regional Council meeting, council voted against a proposal to ensure detailed councillor expenses, including accommodation, flights, car kilometres, taxi and uber costs, conferences and meal allowances were in the monthly business reports.

Councillor Josh Black, who proposed the motion, told this publication he did not allege anyone had “blown the cap” but that councillors should be transparent with how they spend ratepayers' money.

“It’s all about accountability and transparency of how councillors are spending ratepayers’ hard-earned dollars on travel, accommodation, going to conferences, things like that,” Mr Black said.

“If you’ve got nothing to hide then you’ve got nothing to worry about.

Councillor Josh Black proposed the motion in last week’s Dubbo Regional Council meeting. Picture: Ryan Young

“By voting against my motion, you can see why people might say ‘what are councillors hiding?’”

Mr Black acknowledged Warrumbungle Shire Council have a detailed report of councillor expenditure each month which Dubbo should take into account.

Warrumbungle Shire Council travel expense papers. Photo: Warrumbungle Shire Council.

“No one’s begrudging people of going to different things, but we should be open and transparent about it,” he said.

Councillor Matt Wright told the council chambers the publication of an expenditure report would “embarrass” staff for using money which they are entitled to.

“A couple of fellow councillors here spend a lot of time on the road between Dubbo and Wellington who would no doubt spend more money on travel than the other eight councillors in the room here, and there’s probably another couple of councillors who have spent a bit of money on training or attending conferences,” Mr Wright told the chambers.

“I see this as nothing but a way to embarrass, ridicule or single out councillors who might have spent more than another even though it was in a written policy, and all they’ve done is claim what they’re entitled to.”