A request for Hume council to cover the travel expenses for a councillor to attend the maiden speech of Maribyrnong MP Jo Briskey at Parliament House has been knocked back.
Ms Briskey invited deputy mayor Naim Kurt to attend her first speech in Canberra on July 23.
She was elected to the federal parliament in May and her electorate includes Tullamarine and Gladstone Park, which are represented by Cr Kurt in the Tullamarine Ward.
During council’s July 14 meeting, councillors were asked to consider covering Cr Kurt’s travel expenses for the trip.
A report to the council meeting stated that the trip would involve same-day travel by economy flights to and from Canberra and was estimated to cost about $500.
The report stated that Cr Kurt’s attendance in support of Ms Briskey provided an opportunity to further relationships with federal counterparts in support of future advocacy.
Cr Steve Gagen moved that council approved the request.
He said a MP’s first speech to parliament was a “very important occasion”.
“I think it is really important that the council is represented on this occasion,” he said.
“I believe it is a useful thing for our council and municipality if Cr Kurt attends and supports the MP for this occasion.”
Crs Karen Sherry and John Haddad also supported the request, but it was ultimately knocked back, with Crs Ally Watson, Carly Moore, Daniel English and Jim Overend voting against it.
Cr Kate Hamley appeared to abstain from voting, while Cr Kurt declared a conflict of interest in the motion.
Mayor Jarrod Bell and Cr Sam Misho were absent from the council meeting
