Why Cairns mayor Amy Eden won’t budge on training course questions

Cairns mayor Amy Eden has refused to answer questions regarding a ratepayer-funded training course she attended in Brisbane during the federal election campaign.

Cairns mayor Amy Eden has refused to answer questions regarding a ratepayer-funded training course she attended in Brisbane during the federal election campaign, leaving councillors to lobby for desperately needed services without her.

The Cairns Post has issued a Right to Information (RTI) request regarding Ms Eden’s enrolment in an Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) program which she participated in earlier this month.

It is understood that Ms Eden, who as mayor can earn up to $198,182 per year along with additional benefits including a work vehicle, didn’t pay to attend the course herself with the council instead footing the bill.

Cairns Regional Council mayor Amy Eden and council adviser Gavin King at West Barlow Park in Cairns on Tuesday morning. Photo by Brian Cassey

The council has rebuffed questions related to the trip, failing to provide details related to its cost, incidentals and who approved the expenditure with Ms Eden’s fellow councillors left unaware that she was away until after she’d already left.

While attending the Cowboys’ announcement to relocate its women’s team to Cairns on Tuesday, Ms Eden chose to remain tight-lipped about the course.

“Are there any other questions about the North Queensland Cowboys?” Ms Eden said.

“We’re here today to celebrate an absolutely fantastic day. I’m happy to answer questions not football related … after this.”

The week-long course, which aims to build on directors’ understanding of governance, finance, risk and strategy, is believed to cost significantly more than the mayor’s allowance for professional development.

“I don’t know (the cost) off the top of my head,” Ms Eden said. “I don’t deal with operational matters, so sorry. I can’t answer that.”

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden (front) has defended her decision not to disclose how much a training course she attended cost the ratepayer. Photo by Brian Cassey

Asked if she was being transparent with ratepayers about their money, Ms Eden said she risked being incarcerated if she provided further details about the program.

“The council has an expense policy. It’s on public record,” she said.

“You can go check it out. You can go see the reasons.

“I don’t deal with operational matters. It’s really important if you look up the local government legislation. Councillors, as elected members, we can’t delve into operational matters.

“They say that orange is the new black. But orange is not good on me and I don’t want to go to jail.”

LNP Leichhardt candidate Jeremy Neal announces $1m towards the Muddy's Playground upgrade. Pictured with Mr Neal are Cairns councillors Anna Middleton, Matt Tickner, Cathy Zeiger, Rhonda Coghlan, Brett Olds, Kristy Vallely, Brett Moller and Trevor Tim.

During her absence, Division One councillor Brett Moller and Division Two’s Matthew Tickner stepped in calling for $300m from the state and Commonwealth to partner in developing the city’s southern growth corridor.

Councillors also stood in at a funding announcement from the LNP’s candidate for Leichhardt, Jeremy Neal while Ms Eden was on leave.

Cairns councillors will attend an ordinary meeting on Wednesday.

Originally published as Why Cairns mayor Amy Eden won’t budge on training course questions