'A small price to pay': childcare reimbursements for councillors set to rise

Since 2011, the maximum amount that Orange councillors could be reimbursed for childcare on a yearly basis was $500.

The ability to claim back childcare costs was limited to the need for councillors to attend official business, plus "reasonable travel from the principal place of residence."

During the Orange City Council meeting of February 18, Councillor Mel McDonell proposed increasing that amount to $1200.

"$500 these days over a year is not going to get you much babysitting at all," she said.

"This is about reimbursing, not about paying out beforehand."

Following the meeting, an updated policy featuring, but not limited to this change, was put on public exhibition. One submission was received, that from Cr McDonell.

During the council meeting on April 15, the proposed change was voted on.

Prior to a vote taking place, the increased childcare reimbursement proposal received vocal support from Councillor Frances Kinghorne.

She noted childcare had "obviously" become "a lot more expensive" since the last time the policy was updated in 2011.

"If based on what it was in 2011, roughly 2.5 hours a fortnight for 24 meetings, if you did the equivalent based on $30 (an hour for 2.5 hours) which probably still isn't enough to cover the costs, it's more like $1800," she said.

"I think $1200 is not unreasonable."

Cr Kinghorne then proposed to amend the policy once more so that childcare reimbursement be increased each year in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with the starting point being $1200.

"It does matter that we have a diversity of people on council and it is a relatively small price to pay to get people who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford to come," she added.

Childcare expenses may be claimed for children up to and including the age of 16 years where the carer is not a relative.

The increase for childcare received unanimous support from councillors.