Basic instinct for overseas junkets

Jessica Benton
A former council veteran has called for a return to “basics” as Geelong’s mayor prepares for another overseas trip.
Ian Stacey, who served on Geelong councils for 24 years, said international trips for councillors were “blatant junkets”.
“That’s the only way to describe them. They’re an absolute rort of ratepayers’ money,” Mr Stacey said.
“Councillors need to get back to their basic duties and leave the overseas trips to educated officers with specialised backgrounds in relevant fields.”
City Hall announced this week that Mayor John Mitchell would travel to Singapore, Japan, Switzerland and Dubai later this month.
The Swiss leg would include attendance at an official handover ceremony for next year’s 2010 UCI Road World Championships to Geelong.
A City statement said Cr Mitchell would visit Singapore and Japan to discuss “confidential economic development opportunities” in meetings with municipal and business contacts. The Dubai visit would include visiting a “leading edge” recreation park.
Council officer Sharon Cockerell will accompany the mayor to Switzerland.
A council spokesperson said the 17-day trip would cost $15,800.
Mr Stacey said “modern technology” meant overseas travel was largely redundant for councillors because they could carry out their supposed international duties from Geelong.
Other councillor trips this year included Bruce Harwood spending two weeks in Europe to attend the Tour de France and a journey to the United States for a biotechnology convention.
Cr Andy Richards lost his bid at council this week for City officers to prepare a report on options to keep tabs on travel expenses, such as an independent panel of residents to decide whether proposed trips were worthwhile.
“The notice of motion was lost 10-1,” he said.
“I’m not against all overseas travel, I’m just wanting to make sure we’re doing this the best way possible.”