Uralla Shire Council to report councillor expenses and open private workshops to the public

In an effort to increase accountability, Uralla councillors will report any travel or expense claims they make at each council meeting and workshops once held behind closed doors will welcome residents.

It's important for the community to have confidence in the amounts councillors are reimbursed for undertaking their official duties, Uralla Shire Council deputy mayor Isabel Strutt.

"This expenditure is public information, and by tabling claims made under the policy at each ordinary council meeting, this information will be made more easily accessible by the public," she said.

"Key objectives set out in the council's policy are that councillor expenses and facilities are acceptable to and meet the expectations of the local community, and that councillors are not financially disadvantaged in undertaking their civic duties."

"By tabling these claims, the council also intends to increase awareness of the policy and encourage all residents to run for public office in the upcoming local government elections, including those who may not reside in the Uralla township."

Councillor workshops are traditionally used to help elected officials gain a better understanding of an issue or project, and are usually closed to the public.

Read also:

Now, the agenda of workshops will be published three days beforehand, with the exception of formal council meeting agenda items.

The council's general manager Kate Jessep said the decision shows the commitment to accountability.

"It's important the community has confidence that the council is well-informed on items before decisions are made at the council meetings, and that decisions are not made at workshops," she said.

The next workshop is in February.