Council general managers and 13 mayors racked up more than $413,000 on publicly funded credit cards over 2016.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The finding, in the state’s Auditor-General audit of credit card spending, has led him to recommend spending needs to be tightened up.
Rod Whitehead said there were instances when cards were used for purchases that were not consistent with appropriate spending of public money.
“Areas where policies need to be strengthened include expenditure on travel, gifts, fines and fuel as well as the use of alternative online payment methods,” he said.
The plastic was flexed on 2000 occasions with embattled Glenorchy City Council general manager topping the spend with $40,770.
Devonport Mayor Steve Martin, who is likely to replace Jacqui Lambie in the Senate, spent the most of the mayors with a bill of $17,120.
Spending was lower in Launceston with former general manager Robert Dobrzynski spending $19,360 over 119 transactions, including one transaction of $1060.
Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten used his card four times, totaling $410.
Mr Whitehead recommended that the government’s Local Government Division develop a policy which provided clearer guidance to:
- expenditure on entertainment, travel and fuel;
- gifts;
- fines;
- the use of credit cards by other staff members;
- and alternative online payment methods.
Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein said the report findings were concerning.
“The government will immediately begin working with the local government sector to implement all of the recommendations,” he said.
Local Government Association of Tasmania said no evidence was found regarding fraud or misuse of public funds.
It said use of corporate credit cards was an efficient way to pay for goods and services required by general managers while serving in their role.