GREENS council election candidate Kim Scott is calling for greater transparency around councillor workloads.

“All that is on the public record is attendance at council meetings, with only the Mayor also having to publish a diary of meetings,” said Mr Scott, who is running as the lead Greens candidate for Port Stephens Council’s East Ward.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

“Each Councillor can claim a $27,000 annual allowance, plus expenses, regardless of whether they have ten meetings and 20 phone calls a week, or none, and even if they miss many of the council meetings.

“While ‘hours’ are not the only measure of a councillor’s effectiveness, it is reasonable to expect them to put in a minimum amount of time – listening to the community, reviewing and researching council policies, and handling constituents’ concerns.

“In the interests of transparency, the public should know how often and with whom, councillors meet.”

If elected, Mr Scott said he would push for all councillors to publish a regular report on their council activities.

“There need not be rigid requirements,” said Kim.

“But I’m sure residents would like to know the depth of community consultation that has taken place before councillors take a particular position or initiate an action.”

Supporting the Greens’ local campaign, Senator David Shoebridge will speak in Nelson Bay on Sunday,”

Greens candidate in the Local Government Elections, Kim Scott said that Senator Shoebridge has always supported local campaigns.

A former barrister, Shoebridge will cover a range of current topics at the open forum at 2pm in the Tomaree Library’s Waratah Room.