Category Archives: Councillor Expense Statements

Publication of Council’s travel costs and expenses under valuedCall for further review by the State Ombudsman Department

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The Herald Sun, following the updated publication of Melbourne Travel Register and Councillor expenses.
Missing from the published expenses is the costs associated with the Lord Mayors and Deputy Lord Mayors Council funded Limousines and the costs associated with internal catering.
The City Council administration continues to avoid full disclosure of Council’s costs. City of Melbourne’s Linda Weatherspoon has still not responded to our request for information and details of costs.
The published statements are false and not a true or accurate statement of costs. The Travel register is maintained on an electronic white Bord, contains not proper record identification which leaves it wide open to misuse and abuse with records able to be be removed , deleted or amended without any proper audit trail or accountability. (The Council has still failed to account for 10,000’s of dollars of expenses that mysteriously have never been included on the published statements.)
This comes as no surprise as the Council is never held to account by the elected representatives. WHY? because they also have their hands in the cookie jar and are implicated and as such have adopted a policy of avoidance.
The Council’s continued refusal to provide open and transparent governance leaves the City Council wide open to continued corruption. (See previous posts on Ombudsman inquiry into Traffic fines)
The City Council maintains detailed records of internal catering costs but refuse to publish them. Likewise details of costs of the Council’s vehicle fleet are maintained but the City Council refuses to include these costs in the Councillors expense statements. This under values the true costs of the City administration and brings the Councils financial and quality of it’s audit into question. Most of the problems are solely due to the policy of the City Councils Governance department headed by Linda Weatherspoon and sanctioned by the CEO and the elected Council.
Linda Weatherspoon continues to misuse and abuse of the FOI process is concern. The policy and administration of the City Council governance department should be subject of further review by the State Ombudsman in the coming months ( Stay tuned).
$400,000 council globetrot
Jen Kelly, city editor
02may06

LORD Mayor John So and the city council splurged more than $400,000 on 34 overseas and 70 interstate junkets in the past year, new documents reveal.
The costliest was a $23,225 three-week trip for an executive to attend sister-city celebrations in Boston and a biotech conference in Philadelphia.

Ratepayers also footed an $8374 bill to fly in three Play School presenters for the Moomba parade and three entertainers for the Queen’s Baton Relay in March.

Reports on the council’s website at the weekend show the 12-month bill up to March is almost $408,000, with further costs to be finalised.

Spin-doctor Hayden Cock, who is believed to earn more than $200,000, enjoyed his first ratepayer-funded trip less than four months into his job.

Mr Cock was appointed to improve council’s image with ratepayers after a series of scandals, several centred on Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Singer.

Mr Cock’s two-day trip to Sydney to attend a “managing reputation risk” conference in March cost ratepayers almost $3500 for air fares and the conference fee alone.

The corporate affairs director’s accommodation bill is yet to emerge.

The nine councillors including Cr So spent $87,465 on travel. City of Melbourne staff, mostly executives, spent the rest.

The bill includes:

$1060 for an arts project officer to go to a NSW conference on “future directions for the pipe organ in Australia”.

$2250 to send design and culture director Rob Adams to Hong Kong for two days to verify production of a material for council building CH2.

$3300 for a council landscape architect to fly to sister city Tianjin in China for a week to ensure project managers had correctly interpreted plans for the Melbourne Children’s Garden. Council is spending $180,000 on the garden.

$15,070 for marketing manager Scott Chapman to attend the World Swimming Championships in Montreal.

$16,163 for Mr Chapman to take a 19-day trip to London and Ireland.

Of the nine councillors, Cr Singer was the most expensive and extensive globetrotter.

His trips to Milan, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Perth and Canberra cost ratepayers $36,563.

The second biggest spender among the councillors was Cr So, whose $23,771 in travel included San Francisco, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Beijing, his birthplace Hong Kong, and Adelaide.

City of Melbourne chief executive officer David Pitchford defended the spending, saying travel was undertaken when necessary in order for council officers to fulfil their duties and when it was for the benefit for the city.

Publication of Council’s travel costs and expenses under valuedCall for further review by the State Ombudsman Department

Posted on by
2

The Herald Sun, following the updated publication of Melbourne Travel Register and Councillor expenses.
Missing from the published expenses is the costs associated with the Lord Mayors and Deputy Lord Mayors Council funded Limousines and the costs associated with internal catering.
The City Council administration continues to avoid full disclosure of Council’s costs. City of Melbourne’s Linda Weatherspoon has still not responded to our request for information and details of costs.
The published statements are false and not a true or accurate statement of costs. The Travel register is maintained on an electronic white Bord, contains not proper record identification which leaves it wide open to misuse and abuse with records able to be be removed , deleted or amended without any proper audit trail or accountability. (The Council has still failed to account for 10,000’s of dollars of expenses that mysteriously have never been included on the published statements.)
This comes as no surprise as the Council is never held to account by the elected representatives. WHY? because they also have their hands in the cookie jar and are implicated and as such have adopted a policy of avoidance.
The Council’s continued refusal to provide open and transparent governance leaves the City Council wide open to continued corruption. (See previous posts on Ombudsman inquiry into Traffic fines)
The City Council maintains detailed records of internal catering costs but refuse to publish them. Likewise details of costs of the Council’s vehicle fleet are maintained but the City Council refuses to include these costs in the Councillors expense statements. This under values the true costs of the City administration and brings the Councils financial and quality of it’s audit into question. Most of the problems are solely due to the policy of the City Councils Governance department headed by Linda Weatherspoon and sanctioned by the CEO and the elected Council.
Linda Weatherspoon continues to misuse and abuse of the FOI process is concern. The policy and administration of the City Council governance department should be subject of further review by the State Ombudsman in the coming months ( Stay tuned).
$400,000 council globetrot
Jen Kelly, city editor
02may06

LORD Mayor John So and the city council splurged more than $400,000 on 34 overseas and 70 interstate junkets in the past year, new documents reveal.
The costliest was a $23,225 three-week trip for an executive to attend sister-city celebrations in Boston and a biotech conference in Philadelphia.

Ratepayers also footed an $8374 bill to fly in three Play School presenters for the Moomba parade and three entertainers for the Queen’s Baton Relay in March.

Reports on the council’s website at the weekend show the 12-month bill up to March is almost $408,000, with further costs to be finalised.

Spin-doctor Hayden Cock, who is believed to earn more than $200,000, enjoyed his first ratepayer-funded trip less than four months into his job.

Mr Cock was appointed to improve council’s image with ratepayers after a series of scandals, several centred on Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Singer.

Mr Cock’s two-day trip to Sydney to attend a “managing reputation risk” conference in March cost ratepayers almost $3500 for air fares and the conference fee alone.

The corporate affairs director’s accommodation bill is yet to emerge.

The nine councillors including Cr So spent $87,465 on travel. City of Melbourne staff, mostly executives, spent the rest.

The bill includes:

$1060 for an arts project officer to go to a NSW conference on “future directions for the pipe organ in Australia”.

$2250 to send design and culture director Rob Adams to Hong Kong for two days to verify production of a material for council building CH2.

$3300 for a council landscape architect to fly to sister city Tianjin in China for a week to ensure project managers had correctly interpreted plans for the Melbourne Children’s Garden. Council is spending $180,000 on the garden.

$15,070 for marketing manager Scott Chapman to attend the World Swimming Championships in Montreal.

$16,163 for Mr Chapman to take a 19-day trip to London and Ireland.

Of the nine councillors, Cr Singer was the most expensive and extensive globetrotter.

His trips to Milan, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Perth and Canberra cost ratepayers $36,563.

The second biggest spender among the councillors was Cr So, whose $23,771 in travel included San Francisco, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Beijing, his birthplace Hong Kong, and Adelaide.

City of Melbourne chief executive officer David Pitchford defended the spending, saying travel was undertaken when necessary in order for council officers to fulfil their duties and when it was for the benefit for the city.

Publication of Council’s travel costs and expenses under valuedCall for further review by the State Ombudsman Department

Posted on by
2

The Herald Sun, following the updated publication of Melbourne Travel Register and Councillor expenses.
Missing from the published expenses is the costs associated with the Lord Mayors and Deputy Lord Mayors Council funded Limousines and the costs associated with internal catering.
The City Council administration continues to avoid full disclosure of Council’s costs. City of Melbourne’s Linda Weatherspoon has still not responded to our request for information and details of costs.
The published statements are false and not a true or accurate statement of costs. The Travel register is maintained on an electronic white Bord, contains not proper record identification which leaves it wide open to misuse and abuse with records able to be be removed , deleted or amended without any proper audit trail or accountability. (The Council has still failed to account for 10,000’s of dollars of expenses that mysteriously have never been included on the published statements.)
This comes as no surprise as the Council is never held to account by the elected representatives. WHY? because they also have their hands in the cookie jar and are implicated and as such have adopted a policy of avoidance.
The Council’s continued refusal to provide open and transparent governance leaves the City Council wide open to continued corruption. (See previous posts on Ombudsman inquiry into Traffic fines)
The City Council maintains detailed records of internal catering costs but refuse to publish them. Likewise details of costs of the Council’s vehicle fleet are maintained but the City Council refuses to include these costs in the Councillors expense statements. This under values the true costs of the City administration and brings the Councils financial and quality of it’s audit into question. Most of the problems are solely due to the policy of the City Councils Governance department headed by Linda Weatherspoon and sanctioned by the CEO and the elected Council.
Linda Weatherspoon continues to misuse and abuse of the FOI process is concern. The policy and administration of the City Council governance department should be subject of further review by the State Ombudsman in the coming months ( Stay tuned).
$400,000 council globetrot
Jen Kelly, city editor
02may06

LORD Mayor John So and the city council splurged more than $400,000 on 34 overseas and 70 interstate junkets in the past year, new documents reveal.
The costliest was a $23,225 three-week trip for an executive to attend sister-city celebrations in Boston and a biotech conference in Philadelphia.

Ratepayers also footed an $8374 bill to fly in three Play School presenters for the Moomba parade and three entertainers for the Queen’s Baton Relay in March.

Reports on the council’s website at the weekend show the 12-month bill up to March is almost $408,000, with further costs to be finalised.

Spin-doctor Hayden Cock, who is believed to earn more than $200,000, enjoyed his first ratepayer-funded trip less than four months into his job.

Mr Cock was appointed to improve council’s image with ratepayers after a series of scandals, several centred on Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Singer.

Mr Cock’s two-day trip to Sydney to attend a “managing reputation risk” conference in March cost ratepayers almost $3500 for air fares and the conference fee alone.

The corporate affairs director’s accommodation bill is yet to emerge.

The nine councillors including Cr So spent $87,465 on travel. City of Melbourne staff, mostly executives, spent the rest.

The bill includes:

$1060 for an arts project officer to go to a NSW conference on “future directions for the pipe organ in Australia”.

$2250 to send design and culture director Rob Adams to Hong Kong for two days to verify production of a material for council building CH2.

$3300 for a council landscape architect to fly to sister city Tianjin in China for a week to ensure project managers had correctly interpreted plans for the Melbourne Children’s Garden. Council is spending $180,000 on the garden.

$15,070 for marketing manager Scott Chapman to attend the World Swimming Championships in Montreal.

$16,163 for Mr Chapman to take a 19-day trip to London and Ireland.

Of the nine councillors, Cr Singer was the most expensive and extensive globetrotter.

His trips to Milan, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Perth and Canberra cost ratepayers $36,563.

The second biggest spender among the councillors was Cr So, whose $23,771 in travel included San Francisco, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Beijing, his birthplace Hong Kong, and Adelaide.

City of Melbourne chief executive officer David Pitchford defended the spending, saying travel was undertaken when necessary in order for council officers to fulfil their duties and when it was for the benefit for the city.

Melbourne City Councillor expenses December 2004 to March 31, 2006

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Melbourne City Council Expenses – January 1 to March 31, 2006 Source Link

Cr John So Cr Garry Singer Cr Catherine Ng Cr David Wilson Cs Carl Jetter Cr Fraser Brindley Cr Brian Shanahan Cr Fiona Snedden Cr Peter Clark Total
1 Jan to 31 Mar 2006
1 Conferences, Functions $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 304,55 $ 823,45 $ 171,82 $ 201,57 $ – $ 1 501,39
2 Training and Development $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 700,00 $ – $ 700,00
3 Travel – Local $ – $ 156,61 $ 294,80 $ 300,96 $ 2 811,69 $ 200,25 $ 418,74 $ 1 218,43 $ – $ 5 401,48
4 Travel – Interstate $ 1 040,10 $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 243,64 $ – $ 1 283,74
5 Travel – Overseas $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 1 068,14 $ – $ – $ 1 068,14
6 Communication – Local $ 637,68 $ 1 351,63 $ 660,74 $ 591,14 $ 596,21 $ 571,03 $ 461,82 $ 610,79 $ 1 275,34 $ 6 756,38
7 Communication – Interstate $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ –
8 Communication – Overseas $ 43,97 $ – $ 369,80 $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 413,77
9 Functions External to Town Hall $ – $ – $ 359,47 $ – $ 544,10 $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 903,57
10 Child Care $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 2 548,70 $ – $ 2 548,70
Total Expenses $ 1 721,75 $ 1 508,24 $ 1 684,81 $ 892,10 $ 4 256,55 $ 2 662,87 $ 1 052,38 $ 5 523,13 $ 1 275,34 $ 20 577,17
Note: Published Data is dodgy indicating that the figuars may have been doctored. The published Total for the Lord Mayor does not add up to the detailed expenses.
Published data shows the Lord Mayor with a total of 1684.81 (under valued)
Missing costs associated with Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayors Limousine; Costs associated with Internal Catering and Free Booze.

Note: Councillors with the execption of Greens Councillor Frazer Brindley did not travel overseas durring this period. The Costs associated with the City of Mlebourne Commonwealth Games are also not included in these expense statements.

Melbourne City Council Expenses – December 2004 to March 31, 2006 (consolidated)
Also Missing costs associated with Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayors Limousine; Costs associated with Internal Catering and Free Booze.
Cr John So Cr Garry Singer Cr Catherine Ng Cr David Wilson Cs Carl Jetter Cr Fraser Brindley Cr Brian Shanahan Cr Fiona Snedden Cr Peter Clark Total
Total to Date Dec 2, 2004 to December 31, 2004
1 Conferences, Functions $ – $ 2 872,65 $ 1 220,00 $ 887,96 $ 2 849,25 $ 823,45 $ 595,45 $ 1 400,65 $ 154,55 $ 10 803,96
2 Training and Development $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 700,00 $ – $ 700,00
3 Travel – Local $ 20,00 $ 783,26 $ 1 747,26 $ 1 289,70 $ 8 298,70 $ 1 301,00 $ 1 517,57 $ 4 315,05 $ 56,09 $ 19 328,63
4 Travel – Interstate $ 2 114,34 $ 4 198,02 $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 621,72 $ – $ 6 934,08
5 Travel – Overseas $ 21 689,49 $29 270,51 $ – $ – $ 7 347,59 $ 1 068,14 $ 7 112,60 $ 9 183,94 $ – $ 75 672,27
6 Communication – Local $ 3 917,23 $ 6 126,20 $ 4 652,01 $ 2 152,00 $ 1 884,54 $ 1 995,91 $ 2 048,01 $ 2 904,66 $ 6 514,89 $ 32 195,45
7 Communication – Interstate $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ –
8 Communication – Overseas $ 2 049,78 $ 563,19 $ 928,33 $ – $ 348,41 $ – $ 439,12 $ 185,47 $ – $ 4 514,30
9 Functions External to Town Hall $ – $ 98,87 $ 1 059,95 $ – $ 1 743,55 $ – $ – $ 243,68 $ – $ 3 146,05
10 Child Care $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 9 384,10 $ – $ 9 384,10
Total Expenses $ 29 790,84 $43 912,70 $ 9 607,55 $ 4 329,66 $22 472,04 $ 5 188,50 $11 712,75 $28 939,27 $ 6 725,53 $ 162 678,84

Melbourne City Councillor expenses December 2004 to March 31, 2006

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Melbourne City Council Expenses – January 1 to March 31, 2006 Source Link

Cr John So Cr Garry Singer Cr Catherine Ng Cr David Wilson Cs Carl Jetter Cr Fraser Brindley Cr Brian Shanahan Cr Fiona Snedden Cr Peter Clark Total
1 Jan to 31 Mar 2006
1 Conferences, Functions $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 304,55 $ 823,45 $ 171,82 $ 201,57 $ – $ 1 501,39
2 Training and Development $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 700,00 $ – $ 700,00
3 Travel – Local $ – $ 156,61 $ 294,80 $ 300,96 $ 2 811,69 $ 200,25 $ 418,74 $ 1 218,43 $ – $ 5 401,48
4 Travel – Interstate $ 1 040,10 $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 243,64 $ – $ 1 283,74
5 Travel – Overseas $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 1 068,14 $ – $ – $ 1 068,14
6 Communication – Local $ 637,68 $ 1 351,63 $ 660,74 $ 591,14 $ 596,21 $ 571,03 $ 461,82 $ 610,79 $ 1 275,34 $ 6 756,38
7 Communication – Interstate $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ –
8 Communication – Overseas $ 43,97 $ – $ 369,80 $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 413,77
9 Functions External to Town Hall $ – $ – $ 359,47 $ – $ 544,10 $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 903,57
10 Child Care $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 2 548,70 $ – $ 2 548,70
Total Expenses $ 1 721,75 $ 1 508,24 $ 1 684,81 $ 892,10 $ 4 256,55 $ 2 662,87 $ 1 052,38 $ 5 523,13 $ 1 275,34 $ 20 577,17
Note: Published Data is dodgy indicating that the figuars may have been doctored. The published Total for the Lord Mayor does not add up to the detailed expenses.
Published data shows the Lord Mayor with a total of 1684.81 (under valued)
Missing costs associated with Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayors Limousine; Costs associated with Internal Catering and Free Booze.

Note: Councillors with the execption of Greens Councillor Frazer Brindley did not travel overseas durring this period. The Costs associated with the City of Mlebourne Commonwealth Games are also not included in these expense statements.

Melbourne City Council Expenses – December 2004 to March 31, 2006 (consolidated)
Also Missing costs associated with Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayors Limousine; Costs associated with Internal Catering and Free Booze.
Cr John So Cr Garry Singer Cr Catherine Ng Cr David Wilson Cs Carl Jetter Cr Fraser Brindley Cr Brian Shanahan Cr Fiona Snedden Cr Peter Clark Total
Total to Date Dec 2, 2004 to December 31, 2004
1 Conferences, Functions $ – $ 2 872,65 $ 1 220,00 $ 887,96 $ 2 849,25 $ 823,45 $ 595,45 $ 1 400,65 $ 154,55 $ 10 803,96
2 Training and Development $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 700,00 $ – $ 700,00
3 Travel – Local $ 20,00 $ 783,26 $ 1 747,26 $ 1 289,70 $ 8 298,70 $ 1 301,00 $ 1 517,57 $ 4 315,05 $ 56,09 $ 19 328,63
4 Travel – Interstate $ 2 114,34 $ 4 198,02 $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 621,72 $ – $ 6 934,08
5 Travel – Overseas $ 21 689,49 $29 270,51 $ – $ – $ 7 347,59 $ 1 068,14 $ 7 112,60 $ 9 183,94 $ – $ 75 672,27
6 Communication – Local $ 3 917,23 $ 6 126,20 $ 4 652,01 $ 2 152,00 $ 1 884,54 $ 1 995,91 $ 2 048,01 $ 2 904,66 $ 6 514,89 $ 32 195,45
7 Communication – Interstate $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ –
8 Communication – Overseas $ 2 049,78 $ 563,19 $ 928,33 $ – $ 348,41 $ – $ 439,12 $ 185,47 $ – $ 4 514,30
9 Functions External to Town Hall $ – $ 98,87 $ 1 059,95 $ – $ 1 743,55 $ – $ – $ 243,68 $ – $ 3 146,05
10 Child Care $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 9 384,10 $ – $ 9 384,10
Total Expenses $ 29 790,84 $43 912,70 $ 9 607,55 $ 4 329,66 $22 472,04 $ 5 188,50 $11 712,75 $28 939,27 $ 6 725,53 $ 162 678,84

Melbourne City Councillor expenses December 2004 to March 31, 2006

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Melbourne City Council Expenses – January 1 to March 31, 2006 Source Link

Cr John So Cr Garry Singer Cr Catherine Ng Cr David Wilson Cs Carl Jetter Cr Fraser Brindley Cr Brian Shanahan Cr Fiona Snedden Cr Peter Clark Total
1 Jan to 31 Mar 2006
1 Conferences, Functions $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 304,55 $ 823,45 $ 171,82 $ 201,57 $ – $ 1 501,39
2 Training and Development $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 700,00 $ – $ 700,00
3 Travel – Local $ – $ 156,61 $ 294,80 $ 300,96 $ 2 811,69 $ 200,25 $ 418,74 $ 1 218,43 $ – $ 5 401,48
4 Travel – Interstate $ 1 040,10 $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 243,64 $ – $ 1 283,74
5 Travel – Overseas $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 1 068,14 $ – $ – $ 1 068,14
6 Communication – Local $ 637,68 $ 1 351,63 $ 660,74 $ 591,14 $ 596,21 $ 571,03 $ 461,82 $ 610,79 $ 1 275,34 $ 6 756,38
7 Communication – Interstate $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ –
8 Communication – Overseas $ 43,97 $ – $ 369,80 $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 413,77
9 Functions External to Town Hall $ – $ – $ 359,47 $ – $ 544,10 $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 903,57
10 Child Care $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 2 548,70 $ – $ 2 548,70
Total Expenses $ 1 721,75 $ 1 508,24 $ 1 684,81 $ 892,10 $ 4 256,55 $ 2 662,87 $ 1 052,38 $ 5 523,13 $ 1 275,34 $ 20 577,17
Note: Published Data is dodgy indicating that the figuars may have been doctored. The published Total for the Lord Mayor does not add up to the detailed expenses.
Published data shows the Lord Mayor with a total of 1684.81 (under valued)
Missing costs associated with Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayors Limousine; Costs associated with Internal Catering and Free Booze.

Note: Councillors with the execption of Greens Councillor Frazer Brindley did not travel overseas durring this period. The Costs associated with the City of Mlebourne Commonwealth Games are also not included in these expense statements.

Melbourne City Council Expenses – December 2004 to March 31, 2006 (consolidated)
Also Missing costs associated with Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayors Limousine; Costs associated with Internal Catering and Free Booze.
Cr John So Cr Garry Singer Cr Catherine Ng Cr David Wilson Cs Carl Jetter Cr Fraser Brindley Cr Brian Shanahan Cr Fiona Snedden Cr Peter Clark Total
Total to Date Dec 2, 2004 to December 31, 2004
1 Conferences, Functions $ – $ 2 872,65 $ 1 220,00 $ 887,96 $ 2 849,25 $ 823,45 $ 595,45 $ 1 400,65 $ 154,55 $ 10 803,96
2 Training and Development $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 700,00 $ – $ 700,00
3 Travel – Local $ 20,00 $ 783,26 $ 1 747,26 $ 1 289,70 $ 8 298,70 $ 1 301,00 $ 1 517,57 $ 4 315,05 $ 56,09 $ 19 328,63
4 Travel – Interstate $ 2 114,34 $ 4 198,02 $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 621,72 $ – $ 6 934,08
5 Travel – Overseas $ 21 689,49 $29 270,51 $ – $ – $ 7 347,59 $ 1 068,14 $ 7 112,60 $ 9 183,94 $ – $ 75 672,27
6 Communication – Local $ 3 917,23 $ 6 126,20 $ 4 652,01 $ 2 152,00 $ 1 884,54 $ 1 995,91 $ 2 048,01 $ 2 904,66 $ 6 514,89 $ 32 195,45
7 Communication – Interstate $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ –
8 Communication – Overseas $ 2 049,78 $ 563,19 $ 928,33 $ – $ 348,41 $ – $ 439,12 $ 185,47 $ – $ 4 514,30
9 Functions External to Town Hall $ – $ 98,87 $ 1 059,95 $ – $ 1 743,55 $ – $ – $ 243,68 $ – $ 3 146,05
10 Child Care $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 9 384,10 $ – $ 9 384,10
Total Expenses $ 29 790,84 $43 912,70 $ 9 607,55 $ 4 329,66 $22 472,04 $ 5 188,50 $11 712,75 $28 939,27 $ 6 725,53 $ 162 678,84

City Hypocrisy exposed Councillors benefit from free parking, free food and free booze whilst ratepayers and commuters foot the bill

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The Herald Sun has reported today on some of the cost of hypocrisy that abounds the halls of the City Council.

Whilst the article in the Herald-sun highlights some of the issues surrounding the hypocrisy of the City Council there are still a number of undisclosed issues and expenses that the City Council refuses to release in its ongoing effort to avoid accountability.

The City of Melbourne in addition to paying the out of pocket costs occurred by City Councillors is paying also the personal costs associated with Cr So and Singers use of their Council funded limousines.

The Council is picking up the tab for the costs associated with Cr Singers (Disgraced Councillor without portfolio) private use of his Council funded limousine. Under Australian Taxation requirements and normal circumstances Cr Singer would be required to maintain a drivers log listing the KM and petrol consumption and the purpose of the journey. we understand that Cr Singer does not kept such a log or if he does he has not provided a copy to the City Council. In the absence of a drivers log Cr Singer would be required to prorate private expenses and repay the City Council for that part which is considered private. A similar option existing with Council funded mobile telephones. Again Cr Singer does not rebate the Council for that proportional that is considered private use.

These costs are above and beyond what is authorised by the Local Government Act.

Under the Local Government Act/Regulations the Council can pay the out-of-pocket costs born by Councillors that occurred whilst fulfilling their duties of a Councillor. there is no provision for the Council to pay additional private personal costs. Cr Singer effectively is stealing from ratepayers.

On top of that Councillors and senior staff enjoy other undisclosed financial benefits including free inner city parking, free internal catering and free booze..

The associated costs are not included in the Council’s misleading published expense statements.

The Council does not pay the Fringe Benefits Tax on these perks (Even though they are liable)

When will the City of Melbourne stop ripping off ratepayers and begin to provide honest, open and transparent government? When will it inside the costs associated with the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor’s Limousine and costs associated with free parking, internal catering and free booze?

As long as Councillors and Staff continue putting their noses in the trough ratepayers will foot the bill.

Do as I say, not as I drive
Jen Kelly, city editor
07apr06

MELBOURNE City Council has been accused of hypocrisy over its war on cars amid revelations it forks out millions on its own fleet.

The council’s anti-car tactics, including parking fee hikes and a proposed 40km/h CBD limit, are being called into question in light of its addiction to motoring.
Its draft transport strategy calls for bus-only lanes in Queen and Lonsdale streets, priority for trams and huge spending on cyclists.

But the council’s spending on its own cars includes:

$1.4 MILLION for capital costs in 2004-05 for its fleet, including two executive vehicles for new staff.

$828,000 for operating costs in 2004-05, including repairs, accidents, CityLink tolls and registration and $259,000 for fuel.

MORE than $100,000 a year to run Lord Mayor John So’s chauffeur-driven Holden Caprice, with personalised plates LM000, including the driver’s wages.

$16,440 a year for Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Singer’s Holden Statesman, which he also uses for trips to Morwell, where he has a second home and works at a law firm.

THE other seven councillors claimed $13,280 for “local travel” expenses in the 13 months to December, which covers taxis, parking fees and CityLink tolls.

THE fleet of more than 100 vehicles clocked up 1.9 million kilometres in 12 months, despite the municipality covering only 36.3sq km.

One of the council’s staunchest critics, Anthony van der Craats, said the anti-car crackdown reeked of hypocrisy.

“They should practise what they preach,” he said.

“It’s a bit like a chain-smoker telling others to give up smoking. The Lord Mayor does not need a limo, he can catch a taxi or take public transport.

“It is hypocritical for the council to on one hand advocate citizens give up their cars while at the same time they zealously hold on to their free car park and the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor continue to drive council-funded six-cylinder petrol guzzlers.”

Mr van der Craats, who operates a website holding the council to account, called on both to give up their cars.

“If they are sincere about a car-free future then prove it and give up the limos,” he said.

“Stop paying for staff cars as part of their remuneration package and withdraw free car parking.

“Buy them a public transport travel pass. At least they will begin to realise that Melbourne needs more than a $750,000 tourist bus.”

Do as I say, not as I drive
Jen Kelly, city editor
07apr06

MELBOURNE City Council has been accused of hypocrisy over its war on cars amid revelations it forks out millions on its own fleet.

The council’s anti-car tactics, including parking fee hikes and a proposed 40km/h CBD limit, are being called into question in light of its addiction to motoring.
Its draft transport strategy calls for bus-only lanes in Queen and Lonsdale streets, priority for trams and huge spending on cyclists.

But the council’s spending on its own cars includes:

$1.4 MILLION for capital costs in 2004-05 for its fleet, including two executive vehicles for new staff.

$828,000 for operating costs in 2004-05, including repairs, accidents, CityLink tolls and registration and $259,000 for fuel.

MORE than $100,000 a year to run Lord Mayor John So’s chauffeur-driven Holden Caprice, with personalised plates LM000, including the driver’s wages.

$16,440 a year for Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Singer’s Holden Statesman, which he also uses for trips to Morwell, where he has a second home and works at a law firm.

THE other seven councillors claimed $13,280 for “local travel” expenses in the 13 months to December, which covers taxis, parking fees and CityLink tolls.

THE fleet of more than 100 vehicles clocked up 1.9 million kilometres in 12 months, despite the municipality covering only 36.3sq km.

One of the council’s staunchest critics, Anthony van der Craats, said the anti-car crackdown reeked of hypocrisy.

“They should practise what they preach,” he said.

“It’s a bit like a chain-smoker telling others to give up smoking. The Lord Mayor does not need a limo, he can catch a taxi or take public transport.

“It is hypocritical for the council to on one hand advocate citizens give up their cars while at the same time they zealously hold on to their free car park and the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor continue to drive council-funded six-cylinder petrol guzzlers.”

Mr van der Craats, who operates a website holding the council to account, called on both to give up their cars.

“If they are sincere about a car-free future then prove it and give up the limos,” he said.

“Stop paying for staff cars as part of their remuneration package and withdraw free car parking.

“Buy them a public transport travel pass. At least they will begin to realise that Melbourne needs more than a $750,000 tourist bus.”

Do as I say, not as I drive
Jen Kelly, city editor
07apr06

MELBOURNE City Council has been accused of hypocrisy over its war on cars amid revelations it forks out millions on its own fleet.

The council’s anti-car tactics, including parking fee hikes and a proposed 40km/h CBD limit, are being called into question in light of its addiction to motoring.
Its draft transport strategy calls for bus-only lanes in Queen and Lonsdale streets, priority for trams and huge spending on cyclists.

But the council’s spending on its own cars includes:

$1.4 MILLION for capital costs in 2004-05 for its fleet, including two executive vehicles for new staff.

$828,000 for operating costs in 2004-05, including repairs, accidents, CityLink tolls and registration and $259,000 for fuel.

MORE than $100,000 a year to run Lord Mayor John So’s chauffeur-driven Holden Caprice, with personalised plates LM000, including the driver’s wages.

$16,440 a year for Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Singer’s Holden Statesman, which he also uses for trips to Morwell, where he has a second home and works at a law firm.

THE other seven councillors claimed $13,280 for “local travel” expenses in the 13 months to December, which covers taxis, parking fees and CityLink tolls.

THE fleet of more than 100 vehicles clocked up 1.9 million kilometres in 12 months, despite the municipality covering only 36.3sq km.

One of the council’s staunchest critics, Anthony van der Craats, said the anti-car crackdown reeked of hypocrisy.

“They should practise what they preach,” he said.

“It’s a bit like a chain-smoker telling others to give up smoking. The Lord Mayor does not need a limo, he can catch a taxi or take public transport.

“It is hypocritical for the council to on one hand advocate citizens give up their cars while at the same time they zealously hold on to their free car park and the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor continue to drive council-funded six-cylinder petrol guzzlers.”

Mr van der Craats, who operates a website holding the council to account, called on both to give up their cars.

“If they are sincere about a car-free future then prove it and give up the limos,” he said.

“Stop paying for staff cars as part of their remuneration package and withdraw free car parking.

“Buy them a public transport travel pass. At least they will begin to realise that Melbourne needs more than a $750,000 tourist bus.”

City Hypocrisy exposed Councillors benefit from free parking, free food and free booze whilst ratepayers and commuters foot the bill

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The Herald Sun has reported today on some of the cost of hypocrisy that abounds the halls of the City Council.

Whilst the article in the Herald-sun highlights some of the issues surrounding the hypocrisy of the City Council there are still a number of undisclosed issues and expenses that the City Council refuses to release in its ongoing effort to avoid accountability.

The City of Melbourne in addition to paying the out of pocket costs occurred by City Councillors is paying also the personal costs associated with Cr So and Singers use of their Council funded limousines.

The Council is picking up the tab for the costs associated with Cr Singers (Disgraced Councillor without portfolio) private use of his Council funded limousine. Under Australian Taxation requirements and normal circumstances Cr Singer would be required to maintain a drivers log listing the KM and petrol consumption and the purpose of the journey. we understand that Cr Singer does not kept such a log or if he does he has not provided a copy to the City Council. In the absence of a drivers log Cr Singer would be required to prorate private expenses and repay the City Council for that part which is considered private. A similar option existing with Council funded mobile telephones. Again Cr Singer does not rebate the Council for that proportional that is considered private use.

These costs are above and beyond what is authorised by the Local Government Act.

Under the Local Government Act/Regulations the Council can pay the out-of-pocket costs born by Councillors that occurred whilst fulfilling their duties of a Councillor. there is no provision for the Council to pay additional private personal costs. Cr Singer effectively is stealing from ratepayers.

On top of that Councillors and senior staff enjoy other undisclosed financial benefits including free inner city parking, free internal catering and free booze..

The associated costs are not included in the Council’s misleading published expense statements.

The Council does not pay the Fringe Benefits Tax on these perks (Even though they are liable)

When will the City of Melbourne stop ripping off ratepayers and begin to provide honest, open and transparent government? When will it inside the costs associated with the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor’s Limousine and costs associated with free parking, internal catering and free booze?

As long as Councillors and Staff continue putting their noses in the trough ratepayers will foot the bill.

Do as I say, not as I drive
Jen Kelly, city editor
07apr06

MELBOURNE City Council has been accused of hypocrisy over its war on cars amid revelations it forks out millions on its own fleet.

The council’s anti-car tactics, including parking fee hikes and a proposed 40km/h CBD limit, are being called into question in light of its addiction to motoring.
Its draft transport strategy calls for bus-only lanes in Queen and Lonsdale streets, priority for trams and huge spending on cyclists.

But the council’s spending on its own cars includes:

$1.4 MILLION for capital costs in 2004-05 for its fleet, including two executive vehicles for new staff.

$828,000 for operating costs in 2004-05, including repairs, accidents, CityLink tolls and registration and $259,000 for fuel.

MORE than $100,000 a year to run Lord Mayor John So’s chauffeur-driven Holden Caprice, with personalised plates LM000, including the driver’s wages.

$16,440 a year for Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Singer’s Holden Statesman, which he also uses for trips to Morwell, where he has a second home and works at a law firm.

THE other seven councillors claimed $13,280 for “local travel” expenses in the 13 months to December, which covers taxis, parking fees and CityLink tolls.

THE fleet of more than 100 vehicles clocked up 1.9 million kilometres in 12 months, despite the municipality covering only 36.3sq km.

One of the council’s staunchest critics, Anthony van der Craats, said the anti-car crackdown reeked of hypocrisy.

“They should practise what they preach,” he said.

“It’s a bit like a chain-smoker telling others to give up smoking. The Lord Mayor does not need a limo, he can catch a taxi or take public transport.

“It is hypocritical for the council to on one hand advocate citizens give up their cars while at the same time they zealously hold on to their free car park and the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor continue to drive council-funded six-cylinder petrol guzzlers.”

Mr van der Craats, who operates a website holding the council to account, called on both to give up their cars.

“If they are sincere about a car-free future then prove it and give up the limos,” he said.

“Stop paying for staff cars as part of their remuneration package and withdraw free car parking.

“Buy them a public transport travel pass. At least they will begin to realise that Melbourne needs more than a $750,000 tourist bus.”

Do as I say, not as I drive
Jen Kelly, city editor
07apr06

MELBOURNE City Council has been accused of hypocrisy over its war on cars amid revelations it forks out millions on its own fleet.

The council’s anti-car tactics, including parking fee hikes and a proposed 40km/h CBD limit, are being called into question in light of its addiction to motoring.
Its draft transport strategy calls for bus-only lanes in Queen and Lonsdale streets, priority for trams and huge spending on cyclists.

But the council’s spending on its own cars includes:

$1.4 MILLION for capital costs in 2004-05 for its fleet, including two executive vehicles for new staff.

$828,000 for operating costs in 2004-05, including repairs, accidents, CityLink tolls and registration and $259,000 for fuel.

MORE than $100,000 a year to run Lord Mayor John So’s chauffeur-driven Holden Caprice, with personalised plates LM000, including the driver’s wages.

$16,440 a year for Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Singer’s Holden Statesman, which he also uses for trips to Morwell, where he has a second home and works at a law firm.

THE other seven councillors claimed $13,280 for “local travel” expenses in the 13 months to December, which covers taxis, parking fees and CityLink tolls.

THE fleet of more than 100 vehicles clocked up 1.9 million kilometres in 12 months, despite the municipality covering only 36.3sq km.

One of the council’s staunchest critics, Anthony van der Craats, said the anti-car crackdown reeked of hypocrisy.

“They should practise what they preach,” he said.

“It’s a bit like a chain-smoker telling others to give up smoking. The Lord Mayor does not need a limo, he can catch a taxi or take public transport.

“It is hypocritical for the council to on one hand advocate citizens give up their cars while at the same time they zealously hold on to their free car park and the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor continue to drive council-funded six-cylinder petrol guzzlers.”

Mr van der Craats, who operates a website holding the council to account, called on both to give up their cars.

“If they are sincere about a car-free future then prove it and give up the limos,” he said.

“Stop paying for staff cars as part of their remuneration package and withdraw free car parking.

“Buy them a public transport travel pass. At least they will begin to realise that Melbourne needs more than a $750,000 tourist bus.”

Do as I say, not as I drive
Jen Kelly, city editor
07apr06

MELBOURNE City Council has been accused of hypocrisy over its war on cars amid revelations it forks out millions on its own fleet.

The council’s anti-car tactics, including parking fee hikes and a proposed 40km/h CBD limit, are being called into question in light of its addiction to motoring.
Its draft transport strategy calls for bus-only lanes in Queen and Lonsdale streets, priority for trams and huge spending on cyclists.

But the council’s spending on its own cars includes:

$1.4 MILLION for capital costs in 2004-05 for its fleet, including two executive vehicles for new staff.

$828,000 for operating costs in 2004-05, including repairs, accidents, CityLink tolls and registration and $259,000 for fuel.

MORE than $100,000 a year to run Lord Mayor John So’s chauffeur-driven Holden Caprice, with personalised plates LM000, including the driver’s wages.

$16,440 a year for Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Singer’s Holden Statesman, which he also uses for trips to Morwell, where he has a second home and works at a law firm.

THE other seven councillors claimed $13,280 for “local travel” expenses in the 13 months to December, which covers taxis, parking fees and CityLink tolls.

THE fleet of more than 100 vehicles clocked up 1.9 million kilometres in 12 months, despite the municipality covering only 36.3sq km.

One of the council’s staunchest critics, Anthony van der Craats, said the anti-car crackdown reeked of hypocrisy.

“They should practise what they preach,” he said.

“It’s a bit like a chain-smoker telling others to give up smoking. The Lord Mayor does not need a limo, he can catch a taxi or take public transport.

“It is hypocritical for the council to on one hand advocate citizens give up their cars while at the same time they zealously hold on to their free car park and the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor continue to drive council-funded six-cylinder petrol guzzlers.”

Mr van der Craats, who operates a website holding the council to account, called on both to give up their cars.

“If they are sincere about a car-free future then prove it and give up the limos,” he said.

“Stop paying for staff cars as part of their remuneration package and withdraw free car parking.

“Buy them a public transport travel pass. At least they will begin to realise that Melbourne needs more than a $750,000 tourist bus.”

City Hypocrisy exposed Councillors benefit from free parking, free food and free booze whilst ratepayers and commuters foot the bill

Posted on by
1

The Herald Sun has reported today on some of the cost of hypocrisy that abounds the halls of the City Council.

Whilst the article in the Herald-sun highlights some of the issues surrounding the hypocrisy of the City Council there are still a number of undisclosed issues and expenses that the City Council refuses to release in its ongoing effort to avoid accountability.

The City of Melbourne in addition to paying the out of pocket costs occurred by City Councillors is paying also the personal costs associated with Cr So and Singers use of their Council funded limousines.

The Council is picking up the tab for the costs associated with Cr Singers (Disgraced Councillor without portfolio) private use of his Council funded limousine. Under Australian Taxation requirements and normal circumstances Cr Singer would be required to maintain a drivers log listing the KM and petrol consumption and the purpose of the journey. we understand that Cr Singer does not kept such a log or if he does he has not provided a copy to the City Council. In the absence of a drivers log Cr Singer would be required to prorate private expenses and repay the City Council for that part which is considered private. A similar option existing with Council funded mobile telephones. Again Cr Singer does not rebate the Council for that proportional that is considered private use.

These costs are above and beyond what is authorised by the Local Government Act.

Under the Local Government Act/Regulations the Council can pay the out-of-pocket costs born by Councillors that occurred whilst fulfilling their duties of a Councillor. there is no provision for the Council to pay additional private personal costs. Cr Singer effectively is stealing from ratepayers.

On top of that Councillors and senior staff enjoy other undisclosed financial benefits including free inner city parking, free internal catering and free booze..

The associated costs are not included in the Council’s misleading published expense statements.

The Council does not pay the Fringe Benefits Tax on these perks (Even though they are liable)

When will the City of Melbourne stop ripping off ratepayers and begin to provide honest, open and transparent government? When will it inside the costs associated with the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor’s Limousine and costs associated with free parking, internal catering and free booze?

As long as Councillors and Staff continue putting their noses in the trough ratepayers will foot the bill.

Do as I say, not as I drive
Jen Kelly, city editor
07apr06

MELBOURNE City Council has been accused of hypocrisy over its war on cars amid revelations it forks out millions on its own fleet.

The council’s anti-car tactics, including parking fee hikes and a proposed 40km/h CBD limit, are being called into question in light of its addiction to motoring.
Its draft transport strategy calls for bus-only lanes in Queen and Lonsdale streets, priority for trams and huge spending on cyclists.

But the council’s spending on its own cars includes:

$1.4 MILLION for capital costs in 2004-05 for its fleet, including two executive vehicles for new staff.

$828,000 for operating costs in 2004-05, including repairs, accidents, CityLink tolls and registration and $259,000 for fuel.

MORE than $100,000 a year to run Lord Mayor John So’s chauffeur-driven Holden Caprice, with personalised plates LM000, including the driver’s wages.

$16,440 a year for Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Singer’s Holden Statesman, which he also uses for trips to Morwell, where he has a second home and works at a law firm.

THE other seven councillors claimed $13,280 for “local travel” expenses in the 13 months to December, which covers taxis, parking fees and CityLink tolls.

THE fleet of more than 100 vehicles clocked up 1.9 million kilometres in 12 months, despite the municipality covering only 36.3sq km.

One of the council’s staunchest critics, Anthony van der Craats, said the anti-car crackdown reeked of hypocrisy.

“They should practise what they preach,” he said.

“It’s a bit like a chain-smoker telling others to give up smoking. The Lord Mayor does not need a limo, he can catch a taxi or take public transport.

“It is hypocritical for the council to on one hand advocate citizens give up their cars while at the same time they zealously hold on to their free car park and the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor continue to drive council-funded six-cylinder petrol guzzlers.”

Mr van der Craats, who operates a website holding the council to account, called on both to give up their cars.

“If they are sincere about a car-free future then prove it and give up the limos,” he said.

“Stop paying for staff cars as part of their remuneration package and withdraw free car parking.

“Buy them a public transport travel pass. At least they will begin to realise that Melbourne needs more than a $750,000 tourist bus.”

Do as I say, not as I drive
Jen Kelly, city editor
07apr06

MELBOURNE City Council has been accused of hypocrisy over its war on cars amid revelations it forks out millions on its own fleet.

The council’s anti-car tactics, including parking fee hikes and a proposed 40km/h CBD limit, are being called into question in light of its addiction to motoring.
Its draft transport strategy calls for bus-only lanes in Queen and Lonsdale streets, priority for trams and huge spending on cyclists.

But the council’s spending on its own cars includes:

$1.4 MILLION for capital costs in 2004-05 for its fleet, including two executive vehicles for new staff.

$828,000 for operating costs in 2004-05, including repairs, accidents, CityLink tolls and registration and $259,000 for fuel.

MORE than $100,000 a year to run Lord Mayor John So’s chauffeur-driven Holden Caprice, with personalised plates LM000, including the driver’s wages.

$16,440 a year for Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Singer’s Holden Statesman, which he also uses for trips to Morwell, where he has a second home and works at a law firm.

THE other seven councillors claimed $13,280 for “local travel” expenses in the 13 months to December, which covers taxis, parking fees and CityLink tolls.

THE fleet of more than 100 vehicles clocked up 1.9 million kilometres in 12 months, despite the municipality covering only 36.3sq km.

One of the council’s staunchest critics, Anthony van der Craats, said the anti-car crackdown reeked of hypocrisy.

“They should practise what they preach,” he said.

“It’s a bit like a chain-smoker telling others to give up smoking. The Lord Mayor does not need a limo, he can catch a taxi or take public transport.

“It is hypocritical for the council to on one hand advocate citizens give up their cars while at the same time they zealously hold on to their free car park and the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor continue to drive council-funded six-cylinder petrol guzzlers.”

Mr van der Craats, who operates a website holding the council to account, called on both to give up their cars.

“If they are sincere about a car-free future then prove it and give up the limos,” he said.

“Stop paying for staff cars as part of their remuneration package and withdraw free car parking.

“Buy them a public transport travel pass. At least they will begin to realise that Melbourne needs more than a $750,000 tourist bus.”

Do as I say, not as I drive
Jen Kelly, city editor
07apr06

MELBOURNE City Council has been accused of hypocrisy over its war on cars amid revelations it forks out millions on its own fleet.

The council’s anti-car tactics, including parking fee hikes and a proposed 40km/h CBD limit, are being called into question in light of its addiction to motoring.
Its draft transport strategy calls for bus-only lanes in Queen and Lonsdale streets, priority for trams and huge spending on cyclists.

But the council’s spending on its own cars includes:

$1.4 MILLION for capital costs in 2004-05 for its fleet, including two executive vehicles for new staff.

$828,000 for operating costs in 2004-05, including repairs, accidents, CityLink tolls and registration and $259,000 for fuel.

MORE than $100,000 a year to run Lord Mayor John So’s chauffeur-driven Holden Caprice, with personalised plates LM000, including the driver’s wages.

$16,440 a year for Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Singer’s Holden Statesman, which he also uses for trips to Morwell, where he has a second home and works at a law firm.

THE other seven councillors claimed $13,280 for “local travel” expenses in the 13 months to December, which covers taxis, parking fees and CityLink tolls.

THE fleet of more than 100 vehicles clocked up 1.9 million kilometres in 12 months, despite the municipality covering only 36.3sq km.

One of the council’s staunchest critics, Anthony van der Craats, said the anti-car crackdown reeked of hypocrisy.

“They should practise what they preach,” he said.

“It’s a bit like a chain-smoker telling others to give up smoking. The Lord Mayor does not need a limo, he can catch a taxi or take public transport.

“It is hypocritical for the council to on one hand advocate citizens give up their cars while at the same time they zealously hold on to their free car park and the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor continue to drive council-funded six-cylinder petrol guzzlers.”

Mr van der Craats, who operates a website holding the council to account, called on both to give up their cars.

“If they are sincere about a car-free future then prove it and give up the limos,” he said.

“Stop paying for staff cars as part of their remuneration package and withdraw free car parking.

“Buy them a public transport travel pass. At least they will begin to realise that Melbourne needs more than a $750,000 tourist bus.”

Corrupt Practices Missing report: Council Costs behind closed doors

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Missing: Report on the of costs of in Bound Missions. Costs associated with Council overseas invitations.


The Melbourne City Council passed a motion back in December requiring the disclosure of costs for Council funded inbound missions. Request for this information was moved by Cr Snedden and the report was due to be made available in March.

Green Cr Fraser Brindley in an attempt to avoid public disclosure and accountability, moved to refer the report to an illegal meeting of Council behind closed doors.

Cr Brindley Fraser replied to our concern about the need to ensure open and transparency disclosure of public expenses. In his reply Cr Fraser gave an undertaking that the report would be made public? Where is it? It was not tabled at the March Finance Committee meeting.

Was it presented and discussed at the Council’s secret Information session meetings?

The Local Government act requires that meetings of Council be held in open session and documents made available for public scrutiny.

The City Council to date has failed to respond or reply to out requests for the disclosure of Council’s expenditure including the cost of the Lord Mayors and Deputy Lord Mayors Limousines, the cost of In-house catering (including the free supply of free booze to Councillors and senior Staff) and the inclusion of a sequential ID number on the Councils Overseas and interstate travel register so as to facilitate the proper audit and probity of the register content limiting the opportunity for fraud, modification, omission and misuse.

Previous inspection of the Council’s Travel register resulted in the identification of thousands of missing dollars from published expense statements, as the Council staff tried to avoid accountability and public disclosure of Staff and Councillor expenses. The City Council continues to be implicated in a conspiracy of silence and aviodance.

The failure to publish the report as requested by Cr Snedden is just another example of the extent that the Council administration is prepared to go to to avoid open and transparent governance leaving it open to misuse and abuse and possible corruption.

The report detailing the full cost of in-bound missions Must be published without delay.