Perth Voice Interactive

CHRISTMAS is cancelled at the Central Institute of Technology, amid fears an ostentatious display of cheer at the publicly funded school would be “inappropriate” in times of austerity.

Managing director Neil Fernandes issued the missive to staff informing them that “after much thought, executive has made the difficult decision to cancel the staff Christmas party scheduled for Friday 5th December 2014”.

He asked for staff understanding, saying “in recent years community expectations around public sector spending have changed and it has become increasingly unacceptable to fund hospitality that does not have a direct business benefit”.

“This is the reason we have levied a staff cover charge in recent years to pay for any alcohol consumed.

“However, as you are no doubt aware, WA currently faces very difficult budget circumstances. It is executive’s judgement that, in the current situation, hospitality on the scale required by the Christmas party is not appropriate and would not be considered so by the community we serve or the state government.”

‘it has become increasingly unacceptable to fund hospitality that does not have a direct business benefit’

Mr Fernandes says “next year, we will look at options for getting together to celebrate without the need for public funds”.

Staff had contacted him and had “overwhelmingly respected and understood” the decision.

Staff who’ve already paid their tenner will be refunded.
One staffer says he isn’t too fussed as it means he won’t have to deal with half-drunk colleagues.

by DAVID BELL