By Callan Date
THE interstate and overseas travel of City of Casey councillors and officers has been put under the spotlight following last week’s council meeting.
Heated debate surrounded the contentious issue after Cr Janet Halsall attempted to move a motion enabling Cr Wayne Smith to attend a conference in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2008.
A majority of councillors voted against the move, which would of cost about $1800, putting forward their view that overseas travel was unnecessary.
A further motion enabling Cr Smith to extend his already authorised trip to Townsville by one day was also defeated.
Only minutes later council voted in favour of Cr Michael Farley attending a conference in Darwin in November. That trip will cost ratepayers about $3000.
Ratepayers have already forked out more than $45,000 in 2007 to pay for several trips by Casey staff and councillors.
More than $56,000 was spent on interstate and overseas travel in 2006.
Casey Council now lists all travel undertaken by councillors and officers on an online travel register.
The new listing reveals extensive travel along the eastern seaboard of Australia and includes two trips to New Zealand.
It also shows a trip was undertaken to Malta and the USA in 2006.
Each councillor gets $5000 per year to spend on training and education, including attending conferences.
If this amount is used up, councillors may pay out of their own pocket or the council may resolve to fund the gap.
Casey councillors get no say in the travel of Casey staff – something several councillors want changed.
Cr Farley said it was a major issue that elected councillors could not keep Casey officers accountable to their travel.
“I think it is wrong that we don’t have any say on any travel undertaken by officers,” he said.
Cr Farley defended his own travel to the Darwin conference, which is also being attended by Cr Halsall.
“It is important for two people to go to this conference. There are multiple conferences going on at once and I think that we will grow out of this.”
Cr Paul Richardson echoed Cr Farley’s thoughts on keeping council staff accountable.
“I think the 11 councillors should have a say on the council officers travelling interstate rather than just the CEO having the sole responsibility,” he said.
“No consultation is made to the councillors at all,” Cr Richardson said.
>>> What are your thoughts on the travel of Casey councillors and officers? Are you happy that your rates are funding interstate and overseas travel? Send us your opinion at editor@starnewsgroup.com.au.
