Newcastle Council has defended the use of ratepayer money, to cover the cost of childcare during a work-related trip by the Lord Mayor.
Nuatali Nelmes has come under fire by follow councillors for claiming a day of childcare during a visit to Singapore, for a smart cities summit last year.
Below is the statement issued by Newcastle City Council:
“Council introduced a number of policies over a decade ago to increase participation by women and underrepresented groups in local government. The Lord Mayor is not unique as a working mother in a leadership role; often this involves blending caring responsibilities with work and work related travel. After a resolution of the elected council, The Lord Mayor attended the World Mayors Forum and a Summit on Smart City innovations in 2016 in Singapore for 3 nights. She had very short notice and it was in school holidays. Notwithstanding, in order to fulfil the Council wishes and official duties to attend, the Lord Mayor privately organised and paid for her 9 year-old daughter to accompany her. The Lord Mayor did not seek any reimbursement for cost of this travel. However, pursuant to clause 17 of the Expenses Policy, The Lord Mayor was entitled to and did claim for one day of approved childcare in Singapore. The Expenses Policy allows for a maximum limit of $6,000 per year for carer expenses.” – Spokesperson.
