By Tate Papworth
Brimbank ratepayers forked out more than $20,000 to cover the mayor’s annual childcare fees during the 2018-19 financial year.
Cr Lucinda Congreve claimed $24,288.29 in childcare costs, raising alarm in some sections of the community.
Keilor Residents and Ratepayers spokesperson Susan Jennison said the total seemed to be high.
“That’s an alarming number,” Ms Jennison said.
“That’s a lot of rates to cover that amount.”
The mayor and councillors are paid an annual allowance and expenses.
As at end 2018-19, the mayoral allowance is $98,465 per annum and the councillor allowance is $30,827 per annum.
Brimbank council’s director advocacy partnerships and community Dan Hogan said the expenses fell within the ‘reasonable’ limit.
“The councillor code of conduct permits councillors to be reimbursed for reasonable out of pocket carer expenses incurred when undertaking official council duties … and where the councillor is the primary care giver,” he said.
“Support and expense reimbursements allow all councillors, regardless of background, family and personal situations, the support and flexibility to conduct their duties of office.”
A receipt clearly identifying the provider, type of service, date and time of service, hourly rate and hours of service must also be provided when claiming childcare.
The councillor code of conduct also states that maximum fees will be determined as rates not exceeding reasonable market rates available within the municipality.
The average cost of childcare in Australia as of June 2017 was $8.90 an hour.
Childcare is one of a number of expenses councillors can claim.
Travel, conferences, training, mobile and data are also claimable.
