CRANBOURNE STAR NEWS
Home » Junk the junkets

Junk the junkets

Councillor Wayne Smith and councillor Louise Berkelmans are having an extravagant fully paid $3700 junket by Casey Council to go to enjoy the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
They are being paid the air fare, $250, top hotel, $1250 and car hire, $350 each. Sheer arogance and abuse of power.
Ratepayers are angry that the junket is approved and paid by the council just after a massive rates increase.
Ratepayers believe that this is a serious breach of councillor duty and responsibility to the public.
Ratepayers believe that it was in breach of the conflict of interest that Cr Smith moved the resolution and Cr Berkelmans seconded the motion for their own junket.
The council has already funded a concert group to perform at the festival and there is no reason at all for councillors to enjoy the festival at public expense.
Councils have a responsibility and an obligation to deal with complaints openly and with transparancy required.
We demand that the council review this junket and rescind the resolution.
Keith Townsend,
Narre Warren.

Digital Editions


More News

  • Clyde pharmacy raises $6k for ovarian cancer

    Clyde pharmacy raises $6k for ovarian cancer

    TerryWhite Chemmart Clyde has raised more than $6,000 for Ovarian Cancer Australia after hosting its annual Morning Tea on Wednesday 18 February. More than 70 community members attended the event,…

  • Why Volunteer? Because It Might Save You Too.

    Why Volunteer? Because It Might Save You Too.

    Last night, I had the honour of being invited to the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce for a speed business networking event. What struck me most wasn’t the business cards or…

  • Q&A with beekeeper Alice Lin

    Q&A with beekeeper Alice Lin

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 520714 What inspired you to start beekeeping, and how long have you been doing it? I’ve only been learning beekeeping for a few months.…

  • Casey’s cellular mapping tool exposes mobile coverage gaps in the region

    Casey’s cellular mapping tool exposes mobile coverage gaps in the region

    At a time when much of the world is heavily dependent on mobile and digital services, Casey’s new cellular mapping tool launched in early February, highlights major coverage gaps in…

  • Powers, premiers and poles

    Powers, premiers and poles

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 530014 BLAIR: Gday boys, we are back for another week of Let’s Talk Sport and we have plenty happening, so let’s get into it.…

  • Feedback sought on proposed names

    Feedback sought on proposed names

    City of Casey is seeking feedback on proposed names for a new Clyde North community centre and a Berwick park. The community centre is currently being built in Sovereign Avenue,…

  • Bulls dominate Pakenham

    Bulls dominate Pakenham

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 533225 Cardinia rebounded in a big way and pushed Pakenham’s season to the brink on day one of round 13 in the Casey Cardinia…

  • Sign of the times: Record crowd expected at Bring Your Bills

    Sign of the times: Record crowd expected at Bring Your Bills

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 403433 February is piling up with credit card debt, back-to-school bills and higher interest rates – so the time is more than ripe for…

  • $250m Cranbourne South Hindu temple referral pulled for redesign

    $250m Cranbourne South Hindu temple referral pulled for redesign

    Plans for a proposed $250 million Hindu temple precinct in Cranbourne South’s green wedge have been put on hold after the applicant withdrew its Federal environmental referral, citing a redesign…

  • Clyde North safety breaches lead to $700k fine

    Clyde North safety breaches lead to $700k fine

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 166670 Construction works in Clyde North have been in the spotlight after roofing company Proform Roofing (Vic) Pty Ltd was fined $700,000 over multiple…