City of Wanneroo Mayor Nige Jones has publicly admitted to using ratepayer money for drinks at a Perth strip club, sparking widespread condemnation and raising serious questions about local government spending accountability.
Conference Entertainment Gone Wrong
The controversial incident occurred during the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly in Canberra back in June 2022. Mayor Jones, who was attending the conference alongside other council representatives, made the admission during a recent council briefing session.
According to the details revealed, the mayor charged taxpayers for alcoholic beverages consumed at Club 190, a well-known adult entertainment venue located in the Perth suburb of Northbridge. The expenditure was initially included in his official conference expenses before being identified and questioned.
Mayor's Admission and Response
During the council meeting, Mayor Jones openly acknowledged his error in judgment. "I made a mistake," the mayor stated, confirming that he had personally reimbursed the full amount once the inappropriate charge was brought to his attention.
The admission came during discussions about council expenditure policies and transparency measures. While the exact amount spent at the adult venue wasn't specified in public discussions, the principle of using public funds for such purposes has drawn significant criticism from both council colleagues and community members.
Broader Implications for Local Government
This incident has reignited debates about local government spending accountability and the need for stricter controls on how ratepayer money is utilized during official business trips and conferences.
Community representatives have expressed concern that such incidents undermine public trust in local government institutions. Ratepayers expect their contributions to fund essential services and community infrastructure, not personal entertainment expenses regardless of the amount involved.
The City of Wanneroo has confirmed that all inappropriate charges have been fully repaid, but the incident serves as a stark reminder about the importance of maintaining proper standards when handling public funds.
