City of Perth councillors have come under scrutiny following the revelation that they individually charged ratepayers up to $20,000 for international trips, including business class flights and upscale accommodations. These disclosures surfaced through recently released freedom of information documents, coinciding with an intensifying election campaign in which several candidates are advocating for the elimination of business class travel entitlements.
In the fiscal year 2024/25, councillors collectively spent over $60,000 on travel and accommodation. This amount includes significant expenses incurred by current acting lord mayor Bruce Reynolds, who attended the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, Texas, earlier this year. While serving as a councillor, Reynolds participated in this key event, which focuses on energy-related discussions among global leaders. His trip included business class flights with Qatar Airways costing more than $15,000 and a six-night stay at the Marriott Marquis, which totaled $5,243. Despite the overall cost exceeding $20,000, Reynolds stated he personally covered the expense of his return flight.
Councillor Steven Wellard, who is campaigning for re-election, attended the same events later in the year, billing nearly $24,500 for Singapore Airlines business class travel and accommodation. He justified this expense by highlighting the presence of international energy executives and leaders at the conference, claiming it was essential for Perth’s representation on the global stage.
Another councillor, Catherine Lezer, represented Perth at a WECP meeting in Norway in late 2023. Her trip cost approximately $14,000. Lezer has also pledged to ban business class travel if elected mayor in the upcoming October elections and plans to withdraw Perth from the WECP after the city hosts its annual general meeting in 2026.
In addition, Basil Zempilas, the former lord mayor, traveled business class to Japan last year, incurring costs of $12,144. Other councillors, including Clyde Bevan and Liam Gobbert, also made similar trips, with costs ranging from $11,478 to $13,785.
The recent disclosures have sparked a divide among candidates ahead of the local government elections scheduled for October 18, 2024. Candidates like Lezer, Shirley Vine, and Viktor Ko have criticized the business class travel policy, labeling it as “unjustifiable” and disconnected from the concerns of ratepayers. In contrast, Reynolds and Bevan have defended the necessity of such travel for effective representation.
Reynolds emphasized the importance of attending events like CERAWeek for Perth’s energy profile, stating, “These are high-powered meetings from 6am to 9pm every day. It’s not a junket – it’s about putting Perth on a level playing field.” Wellard echoed similar sentiments, pointing out the significance of networking at such events, where he was the sole representative of an Australian government.
Councillor Raj Doshi recently attended the WACP meeting in Canada, traveling business class with a city staff member. Doshi described the trip as crucial for positioning Perth in global energy discussions, asserting, “These connections can’t be made on Zoom.”
The city has defended its travel policy by highlighting its long-standing international relationships, which include 11 sister city agreements. A spokesperson for the City of Perth stated that attendance at these important events reinforces the city’s status as a leading resource and energy hub in the Indo-Pacific region.
As the election approaches, the debate surrounding these travel expenditures is likely to intensify, with ratepayers keenly watching how their elected representatives justify such costs in light of broader economic concerns.
