News

Council adopts updated expenses policy

By Djembe Archibald

Jul 25, 2024

The new expenses policy is expected to help parents involved in council. Photo by Megan Fisher

Greater Shepparton City Council has adopted an updated expenses policy, highlighting the addition of childcare cost reimbursement for councillors and committee members.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The decision to adopt the policy was made during the July council meeting.

City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said the policy would make being involved in council more accessible to parents.

“It’s a really important policy and what it does is it actually helps existing councillors get reimbursed for anything that’s council-related business,” Cr Sali said.

“That’s important for either current councillors or those that are considering running for council.

“It’s a good policy but it has to be updated and that is the normal case leading into a new round of elections and councillors joining us.”

Cr Geoff Dobson spoke in favour of the motion, saying that those who gave up their time for local government should have childcare covered.

“I think it’s only right and reasonable that councillors who receive these costs from time to time be reimbursed considering that they’re giving away their personal time,” he said.

Cr Seema Abdullah also spoke in support of the motion.

“I believe that the policy tells the organisation to spend its finances more effectively,” she said.

Cr Fern Summer said the childcare aspect of the updated policy made council more accessible for parents.

“It removes a very large barrier for young parents to run for council,” she said.