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NZ conference cost us $18,000 Fairfield Council spent $18,000 on sending five councillors and the city manager to New Zealand in February, yet only one has produced a report from the trip. Last week the Fairfield Advance reported Independent councillor Thang Ngo's call for all councillors to report back to the community after any overseas or interstate trips. Mayor Nick Lalich has responded by saying councillors were encouraged to present a report to the council on their return on a conference. "Under the council's Councillors' Fees, Expenses and Facilities Policy, which was adopted in November 2007, councillors are encouraged to present a report to council following their return from any council-related overseas travel," he said. "The purpose of this visit was to assist the Mayor and councillors in the future review of council's Community Health Policy, incorporating potential strategies for addressing problem gambling issues in Fairfield city." The cost of sending the councillors and city manager, Alan Young to the International Gambling Conference was about $3,000 per person, which included registration, accommodation, flights and a daily allowance. In the 2007/08 financial year councillors attended seven conferences including the Public Works Conference, Asia Pacific Cities Summit and the Local Government Association Conference. Cr Lalich said it was unknown which conference will be attended by councillors in the future. |