Stirling city council has defended spending $16,375 to send a councillor to an audit conference in Florida even though he’s not on its audit committee.
Cr David Lagan flew business class return to Orlando to attend the Institute of Internal Auditors international conference from July 14-17.
The cost included flights, registration, cash advances and seven nights accommodation ($1971)—the conference lasted four days.
He was accompanied by Cr Joe Ferrante, a member of the audit committee, who was also allocated $16,375 from the councillor’s training budget.
Council voted to approve the audit trip at the March 19 council meeting.
Stirling’s acting CEO Trevor Holland said virtually all decisions made by councillors involved money and the $16,375 was justified.
“In his role of councillor, Cr Lagan is required to participate in decision making relating to all reports provided to the audit committee,” he said.
“In fact, everything councillors do revolves around finances and the understanding of compliance.
“Cr Lagan pays a great deal of attention to the councils financial position and regularly requests information about our financial status overall and for specific projects at committee meetings and directly to officers.”
by STEPHEN POLLOCK
Perth Voice Interactive 
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