$1200 a day for council monitors

... and we’re paying for it

GEELONG’S ratepayer-funded council watchdogs will both be paid $1200 a day during their three years monitoring the city’s next council.

The enviable pay packets were revealed by Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins yesterday, after she also confirmed the City of Greater Geelong would cover their remuneration costs.

Monitor Jude Munro, a previous commissioner appointed in 2015 to oversee an inquiry into the Geelong council, will work two days and take home $2400 each week.

Monitor Peter Dorling, a current City of Greater Geelong Administrator, will work just one day and earn $1200 each fortnight.

“Over three years the total cost to the council for both the monitors’ wages will be capped at $480,000,” Ms Hutchins said.

The Geelong Advertiser yesterday revealed taxpayers would cover the wage costs of the two monitors, who are set to start work following the October council election.

South Barwon state Liberal MP Andrew Katos said he was concerned the appointment of the monitors was based on an assumption the election would result in a “bad council”.

“Until we know the makeup of the new council, I don't see why we’re committing to spending half a million dollars of ratepayers’ money, which could quite frankly go into services and capital works around the city,” Mr Katos said.

“My view is they should have waited until a new council is elected ... that would have been a more sensible outcome rather than effectively jumping the gun and just assuming that it’s going to be more of the same at the City of Greater Geelong.”

Municipal Association of Victoria president Cr Mary Lalios said the decision to appoint the monitors had pre-empted the democratic process.

“Geelong ratepayers have not been consulted on this decision yet they are the ones who will pay for it,” Cr Lalios said. “If the minister wants to appoint monitors without seeking the community’s views, then the State Government should cover the cost.”

A Socialist Alliance candidate for the upcoming council election also criticised the “ridiculous” decision to appoint monitors.

“This decision shows a complete lack of trust and confidence even before a council is elected,” Brownbill Ward candidate Sue Bull said. “If it was necessary, one monitor would suffice.”

Ms Hutchins last month announced the monitors would guide the new-look council, following a tumultuous period that resulted in the previous council being sacked.