Division over mayoral fees
CR GREG MOHR was reprimanded on Tuesday night for allegations of hypocrisy as tensions erupted at Dubbo Regional Council’s Ordinary meeting. Emotions ran high as councillors discussed the suspension of payment and privilege during extended absence.
“Your definition of hypocrisy is different to mine,” Cr Mohr told Cr Anne Jones in reference to her own three-month absence after she tabled an amendment to the recommendation noting CEO Dean Frost’s report “Possibilities for the Reduction of Powers, Expenses and Facilities of the Mayor”.
Voicing his disgust at the current situation which has reached boiling point between the elected leaders, Cr Mohr criticised the recent actions of his fellow councillors.
“This Council has continually driven the nail into Cr Shields,” he said, referring to mayor Ben Shields who has been on medical leave since the end of March.
“To continue firing bullets while he is in hospital and not here to defend himself is utterly disgraceful. It’s gutless and it’s disgraceful... making decisions and changing Council policy for what? I can’t see the purpose of it.”
Cr Jones’ amendment to the recommendation added provision for the Deputy Mayor to be paid
100 per cent of the additional annual Mayoral fee whilst acting in the role of Mayor, and that the policy for the payment of expenses and provision of facilities for the Mayor and Councillors be amended to include automatic transfer of the additional annual mayoral fee during any leave of absence of the Mayor, to the person acting in the role.
The amendment does not require a public exhibition period under Section 253 (3) of the Local Government Act 1993 as “Council is of the opinion that the proposed amendment is not substantial”.
According to the report, Council has the capacity to withhold an annual fee in part, or entirely for a leave of absence less than three months. However, once leave of absence has extended beyond three months, reductions or withholding of fees becomes mandatory. It also stated that the powers and authority assigned to the position of Mayor are set by the Local Government and cannot be lawfully reduced or removed.
Although Cr Jones’ actions were criticised, the amendment only focused on the additional Mayoral fee, not on councillor payments, which will continue to be given to any councillor on extended leave.
Acting Mayor Stephen Lawrence said it was important to have the amended policy which was passed by Council as it was deemed necessary to deal with the present unusual circumstances.
Cr Lawrence said he plans to donate the additional Mayoral fees he receives to Apollo House and the Leaderlife program which benefits disadvantaged youth in the community.