City of Perth allowances slashed

CITY of Perth elected members will no longer be able to claim expenses for clothing, drycleaning, personal presentation, protocol gifts, glasses or contacts or personal donations.

Commissioners approved new policies covering the reimbursement for expenses and travel and related expenses at a council meeting last night.

Elected members could previously claim clothing, dry cleaning and personal presentation costs up to $3000 per annum

Commissioner Andrew Hammond said that in abolishing those expenses, the City was providing a new framework that was equitable and in line with good governance.

The City has provided additional child care reimbursement options for elected members or commissioners’ attendance at an “authorised function” at a maximum of $25/hour.

A carer may also be reimbursed for childcare costs while they are attending an authorised function, which includes council meetings and briefings, electors meetings, authorised training and development activities, civic receptions and events conducted by the City as well as events where the elected member is invited by a City stakeholder.

Chair Commissioner Eric Lumsden said the new childcare provisions were not sexist, “a carer can be male or female”.

Mr Lumsden said that if there was a bonafide event that wasn’t covered in the policy the council could resolve it accordingly.

The travel policy now allows business class travel for flights longer than three hours but elected members have the option to choose economy or premium economy for those trips.

All elected member interstate and overseas travel will be published on the City’s website.