UPDATE: City of Newcastle ratepayers are shelling out nearly $10,000 a week for CEO Jeremy Bath to attend two eight-week courses at Stanford University. This revelation raises serious questions about the use of public funds and oversight of paid study leave.
The courses include Principles of Economics and Energy Storage Integration, each requiring 6.5 hours of face-to-face lessons weekly. Stanford’s Summer Sessions program, which Bath attended last year, allows students from around the globe to experience one of the world’s leading universities. However, it is now under scrutiny as the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigates the approval process for Bath’s extended leave.
According to the City of Newcastle’s latest annual report, Bath’s absence from his $513,000 per year position cost taxpayers about $130,000. This includes approximately $90,000 in paid study leave, raising eyebrows among former councillors who question the value derived from his time away. Former councillor Katrina Wark stated, “It’s fair for ratepayers to expect a benefit in return for him being paid to be away from his job for so long.”
The courses Bath completed required no prior learning and were open to students at various academic levels. Stanford’s website indicates that the two courses would have cost him around $14,000 USD in total. The courses are designed to offer foundational knowledge with no prerequisites, yet the justification for Bath’s extensive leave remains unclear.
Former lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes approved Bath’s paid study leave under delegated authority but did not provide a clear rationale for the lengthy absence, which raises concerns over transparency in the council’s decision-making process. Following a change in leadership, Bath returned to work a week earlier than initially planned, but questions linger about why the leave was not presented to the council for approval, as required.
In light of increasing financial pressures and budget cuts, many private universities, including Stanford, are pivoting to short-course offerings as alternative revenue sources. This situation has intensified scrutiny on local governance and the accountability of public officials.
The investigation by the Office of Local Government (OLG) continues, and many are eager to see how this will impact future governance practices at the City of Newcastle. With calls for greater accountability, the council faces mounting pressure to clarify the benefits of Bath’s courses amid increasing public concern.
As this story develops, ratepayers and stakeholders are left wondering what accountability measures will be enforced to ensure responsible use of taxpayer money. The situation highlights the critical need for transparency in local government operations and the prioritization of public interest over individual pursuits.
Stay tuned for updates as more information emerges regarding this controversial use of funds and the ongoing investigations.
