Melton councillors have been told to “discipline” themselves after reports that ratepayers will foot the $14,000 bill for a Mexican “junket”, planned by the mayor, chief executive and a senior council officer.
As reported by Star Weekly, last month councillors Bob Turner, Myles Bentley and Kathy Majdlik gave approval for mayor Sophie Ramsey, chief executive Kel Tori and lifelong- learning officer Peter Blunden to attend a conference in Mexico from September 28-30.
The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning invited Melton council to its second international conference on “learning cities” because the agenda features a case study on the municipality.
Melton resident and former Williamstown mayor Graham Proctor said councillors needed to “discipline” themselves and rein in excessive spending.
“It’s just a junket,” Mr Proctor said. “Saying Melton needs to attend to share knowledge and resources is drawing a long bow; it’s a pretty marginal argument.
“Quite often conferences can be quite useful, but they need to be more concentrated rather than being a global thing.”
Former Melton mayor Justin Mammarella said he believed councils should network, on a national and international level, if it was of benefit to the municipality.
“If the conference is not of benefit, then, yes, one could say that it is a waste of ratepayers’ money,” Mr Mammarella said.
“In regards to lifelong learning, Melton has been acknowledged throughout the world, so if going to Mexico is going to bring positive outcomes for the community, then yes,
by all means, council should definitely network.”
At the Melton Residents Association’s annual meeting last Wednesday, the consensus was that it wasn’t necessary to send three people to Mexico, president John Goodman said.
“But it’s a decision that’s been made. When they come back, we hope they can show the benefit of attending the conference and what went on,” Mr Goodman said.
Some residents vented their anger on social media, labelling the conference a “waste of money”.
“What a disgrace!” Pauline Alev wrote.
Bridget Agius was furious the council was spending $14,000 on a “frivolous” conference while increasing rates by 4.4 per cent. “This is a joke,” Ms Agius wrote.
