Not the public’s burden: Darwin aldermen dismiss call for in-house childcare service
A Darwin Council alderman put a proposal asking for ratepayers to pay for babysitters for aldermen’ and staffers’ children during meetings
Northern Territory
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DARWIN council has shut down a proposal which would have seen babysitters provided for aldermen’ and staffers’ children during meetings.
Alderman Simon Niblock raised the possibility of occasional childcare at Tuesday night’s council meeting.
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“It’s become clear I think there is a need for occasional childcare for senior staff and elected members in chambers and workshop format,” he said.
“In the last couple of months we’ve had situations staff had come to a workshop or meeting and for whatever reason have had to bring small children in, which has made it difficult for them to perform their duties.
“It’s important we do provide inclusive environment for our staff and elected members.” However a number of aldermen said it wasn’t up to the public to foot babysitting bills.
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Alderman Rebecca Want de Rowe, a mother of two young children, said it was up to parents to ensure they had sufficient childcare plans in place.
“We need to provide support to our staff but as someone who regularly brings their children into council, I don’t feel comfortable making the ratepayer pay because I decided to have children,” she said.
“Sometimes it’s tough but I’m not comfortable with this motion.” Alderman Mick Palmer said while babysitters might be good for staff, it was not the aldermen’s decision to make. “With council staff, it’s entirely up to the chief executive to determine whether provision of services is appropriate and it should not form part of this motion,” he said.
Aldermen are provided a base salary of $22,400.
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