WYNDHAM councillors racked up more than $97,500 in expenses during the last mayoral term, with Iramoo ward’s Cr Cynthia Manson the biggest spender.
Cr Manson claimed $19,359 in expenses between December 1, 2010 and November 30, 2011.
Cr John Menegazzo, who was mayor then, had the second highest total of $18,542. He was followed by incumbent mayor Kim McAliney, who claimed $12,961.
The bulk of Crs Manson, Menegazzo and McAliney’s expenses related to training.
Crs Menegazzo and McAliney, who spent $8496 and $6396 respectively on training and development, completed the National Association of Company Directors course that year.
Cr Manson said most of her $7375 in training expenses related to a $6000 internal conflict resolution course she was ordered to take after she incorrectly accused some of her fellow councillors of trespass.
Cr Manson also listed $5138 in childcare expenses.
The only other councillor with childcare expenses was Marcel Mahfoud ($2710).
Cr Manson said she did not consider her childcare expenses excessive.
“I am a sole parent and at the moment I have no family assistance. I think [covering childcare expenses] is a good position for the council to have. I feel like I am fortunate to be able to receive that.”
Councillors spent $3521 on travel expenses, $18,502 on conferences and seminars, $2235 on mobile phones, $1362 on stationery, $12,960 on broadband and $2721 on interstate travel.
Cr Menegazzo said he did not consider the councillors’ expenses to be excessive when compared to other councils.
He said the most consistent claim was for training and development.
