UPDATE: In a shocking revelation, ratepayers in Newcastle are shelling out nearly $10,000 weekly for City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath to attend two short courses at Stanford University. This expenditure has raised eyebrows amid ongoing scrutiny over the approval process for his extended leave.
Officials confirmed that Mr. Bath participated in two eight-week courses as part of Stanford’s prestigious Summer Sessions program, which requires only 6.5 hours of face-to-face instruction each week. The total cost to ratepayers for his absence from his $513,000 job has reached approximately $130,000.
The courses, including Principles of Economics and Energy Storage Integration, are designed for students across all educational backgrounds, making the courses accessible yet controversial given their high cost to taxpayers. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has referred a complaint regarding the approval of Mr. Bath’s study leave to the Office of Local Government (OLG) for further investigation.
Former Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes approved the paid leave, but questions remain about why it was granted for courses that do not require prior knowledge. Critics, including former councillors Bob Cook, John Church, and Katrina Wark, are demanding transparency and accountability regarding the decision-making process.
“Ratepayers deserve to know what benefits the council gained from Mr. Bath’s absence,” questioned Ms. Wark. “It’s essential to ensure there’s value in such costly professional development.”
The City of Newcastle stated that Mr. Bath covered all expenses, including tuition and travel, but the lengthy absence has sparked outrage among residents. This is the third consecutive year the CEO has taken a winter break for professional studies, raising further concerns about the appropriateness of such arrangements.
Stanford’s Summer Sessions are highly competitive, with acceptance rates ranging from 15% to 30%. The courses themselves serve as a gateway for international students seeking academic credit, intensifying scrutiny over the financial impact on Newcastle’s budget.
With a focus on transitioning to electric vehicles and reducing emissions, the council’s 2023 Environment Strategy aims at significant environmental goals. However, the actual benefits of Mr. Bath’s coursework to the council’s objectives remain unclear.
Bath, who has not directly commented on these concerns, has responded through legal channels, alleging he is being targeted by media scrutiny. The City of Newcastle has not provided detailed reasons for the study leave approval, and the controversy continues to unfold.
Residents are left to ponder the implications of this costly educational endeavor. As public sentiment grows, the council’s next steps in addressing these issues will be critical to restoring trust and accountability.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
