Ratepayers in Wyndham have contributed over $11,000 towards leadership training and higher education for local councillors during the last quarter, according to an expense report released by the council. The expenditures, incurred from April 1 to June 30, 2023, were primarily for professional development courses aimed at enhancing governance capabilities.
The report indicates that Mia Shaw, the mayor of Wyndham, received $8,500 for various leadership coaching and mentoring programs. Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Josh Gilligan was reimbursed $2,560.32 for his participation in professional development conferences and training sessions during the same timeframe. This reimbursement included costs related to the renewal of his membership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and the final module of his studies at the Harvard Kennedy School, a prestigious institution in Massachusetts, USA, known for its focus on public policy and administration.
When asked about the specific modules undertaken by Mayor Shaw and how these were expected to enhance her performance, as well as the details of Deputy Mayor Gilligan’s studies at Harvard, the council’s acting chief executive, Mark Rossiter, responded on behalf of the councillors. He noted that the listed expenses correspond to invoices paid during the second quarter but relate to studies spanning multiple quarters.
Rossiter emphasized that the council promotes ongoing education among its members. “Under the Councillor Expenses and Entitlements Policy, available on the Wyndham City Council website, all councillors are encouraged to participate in professional development courses. This is essential for them to effectively perform their duties,” he stated.
He further added, “It is certainly in the public interest that they do so. All applications by councillors to attend these sessions or undertake relevant study are approved by the mayor and chief executive officer. The chief executive officer also approves all applications made by the mayor.”
The oversight of councillor expenses is conducted with transparency, as all expenses are presented to the council’s audit and risk committee before being reported to the full council. Rossiter confirmed that the expenses in question underwent rigorous scrutiny and were approved according to the established policies and within the relevant budget.
This investment in leadership training reflects the council’s commitment to improving governance in Wyndham. The aim is to ensure that councillors are well-equipped to address the challenges facing the community and to enhance their decision-making capabilities.
