Monash Council cancels lavish Christmas party after public backlash

FIERCE complaints from ratepayers have forced Monash Council to cancel its Christmas bash at a posh bayside restaurant in Elwood — and it has come up with a different use for the money in an attempt to calm the public backlash.

Monash Council has cancelled its plans for a Christmas party at Sails on the Bay after a public outcry. Picture: Josie Hayden

MONASH Mayor Paul Klisaris has cancelled the council’s posh bayside Christmas party after fierce complaints from ratepayers.

On the back of Monash Leader revealing the council shunned Monash venues and offered ratepayer-funded cab vouchers for councillors and staff to get to the party, Cr Klisaris said in a statement today that he had called it off.

Councillors and some senior staff were set to celebrate at Sails on the Bay on December 13.

Monash Council plans Christmas party at posh bayside restaurant

“Instead, I will be talking to my colleagues about making a donation to one or more of our local community groups whose fantastic work supporting residents in Monash is greatly appreciated,” Cr Klisaris said.

Mayor Paul Klisaris was heavily criticised and has since cancelled the party. Picture: Supplied

But Ratepayers Victoria vice president Frank Sullivan said it was an “irresponsible decision” to begin with.

“I’m glad that common sense has prevailed and we’re working on changing the culture within councils where it’s been acceptable to spend ratepayers’ money at will,” Mr Sullivan said.

Cr Lynnette Saloumi said there should never have been a Christmas party planned for councillors at ratepayers’ expense.

“It shouldn’t take a mayor who has been elected four times to work out that this wasn’t the right decision for the community,” Cr Saloumi said.

Cr Robert Davies said he was pleased with the decision

“I’ve never attended a Christmas party as it’s a waste of ratepayers’ money,” Cr Davies said.