Luxury Goods, Or Vital?

Illawarra Mercury

Monday June 27, 2005

By ANTONY FIELD

IT will cost ratepayers thousands of dollars to provide Wollongong councillors with lap-top computers and enhanced mobile phones, but councillors say they are vital tools needed for their work.

The councillors will vote tonight on their expenses and facilities policy, which includes a recommendation to spend an extra $52,456 in 2005-06 and $28,509 every year after that for technology upgrades.

At present the councillors can be supplied a mobile phone, a combined home phone, facsimile and printer, and can use the computer in the councillors' room on level 10 of the council's Burelli St building.

Under proposed changes they will have the option of a mobile phone or Blackberry - a high-tech mobile phone with keyboard and software, enabling email and internet surfing.

Councillors will also have a home phone/fax/printer, broadband connection for their home office and a laptop computer if they want them.

When the Mercury canvassed councillors most were keen to have the new technology, although several use their own computers for council work.

They endorsed the technology upgrade in April. The amended policy was publicly exhibited but no submissions were received.

Ward 3 councillor David Brown said there was a community expectation that councillors be professional and this meant having information technology to help do their jobs.

Some people mistakenly believed councillors had their own offices and staff.

"Council staff are sending us complicated reports and we need to access that from home," Cr Brown said. "... we're often working to tight deadlines and we need to be able to respond quickly. Democracy always costs money."

Cr Brown said community lobby groups were often well organised and put photos and Power Point presentations on computer discs to give them to councillors.

Councillors needed access to a computer to study State Government websites and a Blackberry enabled councillors to check emails when out on the road.

Cr Dave Martin said he would not be taking a laptop, Blackberry or broadband, as his own computer was sufficient.

Councillors' technology

Existing options

Mobile phone - annual limit $2400

Home phone/fax printer (no limit on bill)

Access to computer in councillors' room

New options

Mobile phone or Blackberry and home phone/fax/printer - annual limit $3000

Broadband for home office

Laptop computer and software

© 2005 Illawarra Mercury

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