Draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy 2024

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Consultation has concluded. Thank you for your feedback.

The Cessnock City Council Chambers with chairs behind the tables.

We invite you to review and provide feedback on Cessnock City Council’s Draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy. The exhibition period will begin on 24 October 2024 and will be open for 28 days (Closing 21 November 2024).

The Draft Policy sets out the reasonable and appropriate reimbursement of expenses and provision of facilities to support Councillors in performing their civic duties. It ensures accountability, transparency, and alignment with community expectations. Councillors are not permitted to receive private or political benefits from any expense or facility provided under this Policy.


Key Updates in the Draft Policy:

  • Travel Expenses: Increase to the total amount Councillors can claim for travel related to official business.
  • Corporate Dress: Reduced access to corporate attire, now limited to a Council blazer, to minimise tax implications and distinguish Councillors from employees.
  • Alcohol Reimbursement: Removal of provisions for reimbursement of alcoholic beverages to maintain consistency with the Model Policy and Council’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy.
  • Clarifications: New clauses to clarify ‘official business’ for claiming expenses, responsibilities, and updated references to existing Council policies.

The Draft Policy aligns with the Local Government Act 1993 and complies with guidelines from the Office of Local Government.

View the document here
If you would prefer to look at a paper copy, you can find one at:

  • Council’s Administrative Building (Customer Service Section);
  • Cessnock Public Library; and
  • Kurri Kurri Public Library

How to make a submission

You can make a submission using the online form located below or clicking this link.

Your feedback is important to us. Please ensure your submission is received by 5:00 pm, 21 November 2024.

You can submit your feedback via:

  • Online Form: Access the form here
  • Email: Send your comments to council@cessnock.nsw.gov.au, quoting "Draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy 2024"
  • Post: Address your written submissions to The General Manager, PO Box 152, Cessnock NSW 2325.

We invite you to review and provide feedback on Cessnock City Council’s Draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy. The exhibition period will begin on 24 October 2024 and will be open for 28 days (Closing 21 November 2024).

The Draft Policy sets out the reasonable and appropriate reimbursement of expenses and provision of facilities to support Councillors in performing their civic duties. It ensures accountability, transparency, and alignment with community expectations. Councillors are not permitted to receive private or political benefits from any expense or facility provided under this Policy.


Key Updates in the Draft Policy:

  • Travel Expenses: Increase to the total amount Councillors can claim for travel related to official business.
  • Corporate Dress: Reduced access to corporate attire, now limited to a Council blazer, to minimise tax implications and distinguish Councillors from employees.
  • Alcohol Reimbursement: Removal of provisions for reimbursement of alcoholic beverages to maintain consistency with the Model Policy and Council’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy.
  • Clarifications: New clauses to clarify ‘official business’ for claiming expenses, responsibilities, and updated references to existing Council policies.

The Draft Policy aligns with the Local Government Act 1993 and complies with guidelines from the Office of Local Government.

View the document here
If you would prefer to look at a paper copy, you can find one at:

  • Council’s Administrative Building (Customer Service Section);
  • Cessnock Public Library; and
  • Kurri Kurri Public Library

How to make a submission

You can make a submission using the online form located below or clicking this link.

Your feedback is important to us. Please ensure your submission is received by 5:00 pm, 21 November 2024.

You can submit your feedback via:

  • Online Form: Access the form here
  • Email: Send your comments to council@cessnock.nsw.gov.au, quoting "Draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy 2024"
  • Post: Address your written submissions to The General Manager, PO Box 152, Cessnock NSW 2325.