Launceston mayor faces backlash over council card spending on luxury items
Matthew Garwood is the mayor of Tasmania's largest council. He defended spending thousands of ratepayers' money on a credit card. This included cocktails and expensive meals.
Matthew Garwood is the mayor of Launceston. He faced public criticism for spending on a council credit card.
His spending included a cocktail at 11am at Launceston Airport and $259 on steaks in Canberra. When questioned, Garwood defended the expenses as 'the cost of doing business'.
His response angered residents. Many pay $20 a day for city parking.
On social media, Garwood dismissed the coverage, saying critics 'don't understand' the issue. Local media reports the spending fails basic accountability.
Launceston residents are already paying a large rate increase. Voters will decide on the mayor's future in coming weeks.
- Drink at 11am at Launceston Airport
- Cocktail cost
- $259 in Canberra
- Steak dinner
- $20 per day for residents
- City parking
- Tasmania's largest council
- Council size
Why it mattersCouncil leaders must be careful with public money during cost-of-living pressure, or lose community trust.
AustraliaTasmanian voters will judge whether their council leader practices the accountability he preaches, during a local election period.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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