Ex-candidate calls in Minister on Augusta-Margaret River shire councillor Nicki Jones’ extended absence

Local government election candidate Reg Gillard has filed a complaint with the Minister and demanded to know why Cr Nicki Jones has been allowed to take a six-month leave of absence from council duties while still drawing on ratepayer-funded payments. Mr Gillard lodged the complaint last week after Cr Jones received permission for the six-meeting absence at the council’s August 28 meeting. Cr Jones declined to respond to Times inquiries. Shire president Julia Meldrum confirmed the approved leave of absence still entitled the elected member to draw on her annual $22,875 allowance. Cr Jones was elected in October last year in second polling place for four vacancies, with 858 votes. She campaigned in partnership with fellow elected member Greg Boland and Ms Meldrum who was seeking the ratepayer-elected president’s role. After the election, former shire president Paula Cristoffanini – who had sought the presidency as well – resigned her council spot, which triggered the automatic election of fifth-placed candidate Melissa d’Ath. Mr Gillard this week said if Cr Jones had resigned rather than taken a leave of absence, it fell within the 12-month timeframe that would have elevated him to a council role as well. “As the next unsuccessful candidate at last year‘s election, I am extremely interested in these latest developments,” he said. “I am fit and ready to serve the Augusta-Margaret River Shire Council without the potential for a looming costly by-election.” Mr Gillard said Cr Jones’ reason for her absence should have been recorded and Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley needed to sign off on the permission because it involved missing more than six meetings. However, in a response co-ordinated by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, the Minister’s office said Cr Jones was not in breach of the Local Government Act. The Times understands with the change to monthly council meetings, Cr Jones complied with the six-meeting absence rule despite missing other council business. A departmental spokesperson said a reason only needed to be recorded in the council minutes if the leave application was denied. “Matters related to payments of attendance fees/annual allowances are for the local government to determine, in accordance with the approved Salaries and Allowances Tribunal elected member fees and allowances band,” the spokesperson said. “DLGSC monitors the sector for compliance with the Local Government Act 1995 and subsidiary legislation and can take regulatory action as required. “Approval from the Minister for Local Government is required for any leave of absence requested by a member that exceeds the legislated time limits. “If a local government holds ordinary council meetings once a month, it could approve an application for a leave of absence from one of its members for six ordinary meetings covering a six-month period.” Mr Gillard said the “extraordinary unanimous decision” to grant the leave should have been explained to ratepayers.