Perth Voice Interactive

PERTH ratepayers will shell out $15,000 for a painting of lord mayor Lisa Scaffidi according to a draft council budget.

Her predecessor Peter Nattrass commissioned his portrait out of his own pocket and then donated it to the city.

We asked Ms Scaffidi if she’d consider following Dr Nattrass’ lead and save the ratepayers some dosh but she didn’t answer the question.

Lord mayors usually only get a portrait done when they leave office so we’d wondered if the staff were planning for a succession.

Ms Scaffidi says staff haven’t discussed it with her and it’s all been handled by the administration.

At neighbouring Vincent, around 500 bucks buys a framed mayoral photo that hangs in the council chamber. The package includes pics for the website and newsletters.