Wyndham councillors will be able to undertake up to $10,000 of professional development training each, under an updated policy.
A revised version of Wyndham’s 2014 councillor expenses and entitlements policy was unanimously adopted at last week’s council meeting.
As part of the amended policy, councillors will be able to claim a “training allocation” of $10,000 during their four-year terms, an increase from $7500 in the previous policy.
A report stated that raising the training allowance would recognise that the Australian Institute of Company Directors course, or an equivalent course (which councillors are encouraged to do), costs about $7800.
The policy said the funding limit for councillors’ “discretionary professional development” could exceed the $10,000 limit if the training was deemed “appropriate” and approved by the mayor or the council’s chief executive.
Cr Intaj Khan said training undertaken by councillors related to their “governance and planning duties”.
“Nowadays the courses are quite expensive,” he said.
“I’m glad to see we are reviewing policy, it’s pretty straightforward, but it’s good to see emphasis on training.”
The updated policy also stated that the council would pay for (or reimburse) the cost of a councillor’s spouse or partner to attend an event, when a councillor was invited to attend in their official capacity, and where representation by a councillor was required.
The policy stated that the council would cover the expense of a spouse or partner’s registration fees and “reasonable costs” for their meals and refreshments.
In addition, the updated policy gives Wyndham’s mayor the option of using their own vehicle to carry out their duties, in lieu of a council supplied vehicle.
Councillors will be also be encouraged to car pool and take public transport when attending to official duties outside of Wyndham and be permitted to catch Ubers instead of taxis.
