BATHURST councillors and council staff will still have access to unlimited free alcohol following meetings after a proposal to cut off supply was labelled “unAustralian” and “populist”.
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Councillor Jess Jennings had called for an end to the free alcohol as Bathurst Regional Council this week settled on the payment of expenses and provision of facilities to councillors.
Bathurst man Bob Triming had also lodged a submission with council objecting to the free supply of alcohol.
Cr Jennings said he was not opposed to councillors and staff enjoying a drink together at the end of a meeting but he did not believe it was fair for ratepayers to foot the bill.
“It’s been suggested that I am saying we shouldn’t have alcohol, but I’m more than happy to go and buy the first case of beer with Councillor Bourke for the inaugural splitting up of the case,” he said.
“But my point is, let’s not put that cost onto the ratepayer. It sends the wrong message to the community.”
While a report to councillors estimated the provision of alcohol would cost between $1500 and $2000 a year – or 0.0009 per cent of the Bathurst Regional Council budget – Cr Jennings argued it could still be better spent on local community groups and facilities.
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But Cr Alex Christian slammed the suggestion, calling the idea unAustralian.
“I think this is populist politics at its best,” Cr Christian said.
“Most of us [councillors] work pretty hard and we don’t do it for the pay. I’ve only ever seen everyone have one or two drinks – I think there’s an insinuation we have five or six and I’m offended by that.”
Cr Jacqui Rudge said the chance to enjoy a drink together after a meeting could help build relationships between councillors.
“The time we have together in here [the council chambers] can be very difficult but I think it’s important we come together like other work colleagues do for a sandwich and a beer after a meeting,” she said.
“I might be new to this but I haven’t seen anyone misuse this and I would certainly be happy to speak out if I did.”
Cr Bobby Bourke also spoke against Cr Jennings’ proposal.
“Yes, I enjoy a beer but I also enjoy the interaction with staff and other colleagues after a meeting,” he said.
“I agree with Cr Christian that this is unAustralian.”
When the motion went to the vote, only councillors Jennings and John Fry voted to ban the free grog.
The motion was defeated.
