BAYSWATER council has given itself a pat on the back for being the first in WA to apply transparency rules for overseas and interstate ratepayer-funded staff travel.
The new regulations will require councillors to report on their trip, with detailed lists of expenses in accommodation, food, cocktails and transport.
Councillor Brent Fleeton, the instigator of the motion, wants to make councillors think twice before engaging on a trip.
“I don’t think councillors should be traveling whatsoever. Our job is here,” he says. “But at present anyone can go on a trip at anytime,” Cr Fleeton told the Voice.
Bayswater council allocates $15,000 to each councillor every two years, double for mayor Barry McKenna, to travel to conferences, meetings and talks.
However, till now there has been no report or list available where ratepayers can check what the money’s being spent on.
From April 1, detailed information will be put online within 10 days, and any traveling councillor will have to give a verbal report on the reason for their trip at the next scheduled council meeting.
“I think I scared a lot of people!” laughs Cr Fleeton.
by EMMIE DOWLING and MARTA PASCUAL JUANOLA
Perth Voice Interactive 
Leave a comment