Cumberland councillors could get $5000 for travel, accommodation
A plan to use ratepayers’ funds for overseas travel and a credit card for the mayor at a western Sydney council has unleashed criticism.
Parramatta
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A plan to use Cumberland Council ratepayers’ funds for overseas travel, despite current restrictions because of the global pandemic, and allocate the mayor a credit card has unleashed public criticism.
While its residents are living in one of NSW’s most economically disadvantaged communities, a new proposal suggests each of the 14 councillors would receive $5000 for travel — including international and domestic trips and meals abroad each year — while Mayor Steve Christou would be entitled to $15,000.
If the plans are implemented, he would also receive $7500 to host civic events, $15,000 for ticketed events including fundraisers and gala dinners, a credit card and be allocated more staff. Councillors would also receive $5000 each for professional development, $1000 for home office expenses and $4000 for carers fees, which includes childcare.
During a heated meeting on Wednesday night, Cr Ola Hamed slammed the planned spending, particularly the credit card for Cr Christou “because the Mercedes Benz wasn’t enough’’, a reference to his luxury, ratepayer-funded company car.
She also attacked proposals to appoint more media, administration and support staff working for him.
“How many videos can one possibly take?,’’ she said during the meeting.
She also criticised the plans for decreasing the carer’s allowance by $1000 and suggested the council failed to support women.
“I mean what do people have against women being in public life? Why is there a resentment that a mother of young children dares to participate on council? Dares to claim childcare when working on council matters? Dares to speak up? This is offensive to all mothers. Offensive because the carers allowance aims to achieve an increase in participation of women on council.”
The luxury expenses come despite the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal ruling out mayoral and councillors fees for the next financial year.
Cr Hamed said it was unfair to use ratepayers’ funds for extra expenses “during an unprecedented time of corona taking people’s jobs”. A time when we are cutting services. Cutting jobs. Unemployment rate has doubled in the suburb of Merrylands alone since the start of the pandemic.’’
READ MORE: Council considers offloading childcare centres, swimming pools
Ahead of the meeting, Merrylands resident Gillian Kirby objected to the expenses at a time when the council should be balancing its budget.
“I cannot think of an example where this local government area would benefit from a councillor making an overseas trip – or that a councillor needs to travel in premium economy at any time – particularly when considering the average income and the level of disadvantage experienced by some of the various demographics in our LGA,’’ she said.
After the meeting, Mayor Steve Christou did not respond to questions about the credit card or the impact on ratepayers because discussion on the draft policy was deferred.
But he said Cr Hamed’s comments were an attempt to divert attention from herself because she was under investigation by the council for over-claiming thousands of dollars of childcare fees.
The mother of two is being investigated for over-claiming too much for childcare fees.
“It was completely inappropriate of councillor Hamed to attempt to distract the chamber with other expenses when her claims relating to childcare are being actively investigated,’’ Cr Christou said.
“She was told numerous times last night that the report was deferred, subject to an external investigation, and yet she insisted on attempting to pre-empt and divert attention from what findings may arise from this external investigation. I think this behaviour reflects more on her than anyone else.’’
Cr Hamed hit back at the claim and said her claims for reimbursement of expenses incurred were supported by receipts.
“I’m confident that I have done nothing wrong. I’m also confident the mayor doesn’t need a Mercedes, more staff ... overseas travel and to host delegations more extravagantly.’’
Cr Christou also dismissed her remarks over the council not supporting women.
“I find it sad and disappointing that she would play this card when we have so many hard working mothers in our community, some of which have expressed their outrage about this issue directly to councillors,’’ he said.
Deputy Mayor Eddy Sarkis moved to defer the motion until the budget is finalised.
Following the meeting, Cumberland Council general manager Hamish McNulty said: “Indeed, Cumberland is one of the most socio-economically disadvantaged areas in NSW so it’s imperative that our ratepayer money is spent appropriately.
“Irrespective of gender or family commitments, we have a responsibility to ensure ratepayer money is spent appropriately. Whether it’s a carer’s allowance, travel expense or any other kind of allowance that is paid to assist councillors in fulfilling their civic duties, the expense must be legitimate and one that is in line with community expectations.’’