ALBURY’S deputy mayor Amanda Cohn will host a demonstration outside Sussan Ley’s office calling for changes to politicians’ perks and a federal anti-corruption watchdog.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Greens member, who stood against Ms Ley in last year’s election for Farrer, believes the public needs to force changes to behavioural rules.
“It’s really obvious to me that MPs’ entitlements are out of line with the community’s expectations,” Cr Cohn said.
“We need real change and real pressure and we need the rules to change.
“We can’t pretend to be shocked by every scandal that comes along and then have nothing happen.”
Cr Cohn would like a federal ICAC, no chartering of private flights and no overseas trips for MPs other than the prime minister and foreign minister.
She also wants politicians’ pensions means tested in the same manner as other government benefits.
Cr Cohn said an average worker, who claimed travel entitlements as Ms Ley had done, would be seen as taking money from their employer and sacked.
Albury mayor Kevin Mack said he had no problem with Cr Cohn’s protest.
“It’s a democratic process isn’t it?” Cr Mack said.
“She’s part of a political party, so is (fellow councillor) Darren Cameron, they’re free to do what they feel to bring attention to prevailing issues.
“I think Sussan has got a few and I don’t have an issue with that at all.”
Cr Mack does not believe the council’s relationship with Ms Ley will suffer, saying “she’s bigger than that, she’s above that type of issue”.
The demonstration will start at 5.30pm Wednesday outside Ms Ley’s electorate office in Kiewa Street with Cr Cohn encouraging placards.
