Councillors’ expense policy

Not all areas of government are feeling the effects of the economic downturn. The 2009 draft Councillors Expenses Policy, on exhibition until Friday 3 April, shows no significant changes to the added extras that each City of Sydney Councillor will receive this year.

“Councillors are entitled to be provided with the necessary resources and facilities and for expenses to be reimbursed in order to enable them to fully perform the role of a Councillor,” says the report.

Such necessary resources, on top of their $30,240 salary, include:

– $4000 for Communication

– $3000 for interstate conferences including all meals and beverage costs

– $2000 for intrastate conferences

– $2000 for carers

– $1000 for representation at non- council functions like dinners relevant to a Councillor’s interest.

– A personal computer or lap top

– $300 briefcase allowance

– $3000 for stocking office refrigerators for Councilors and their guests

– $3000 for local transport costs, which now includes bike expenses in line with other Council policy,

– $1500 for postage

– 600 Corporate Christmas cards

– A 24 hour access parking space at Town Hall.

The report does stress that “Councillors are encouraged to limit their use of the expenses,” with the exception of Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s Mail allowance, which has no restrictions. So expect a Christmas card.