Julia McLean

October 13, 2016

An Open Letter to the Remuneration Authority

To Madam Chair, Fran Wilde,

I feel compelled to write to you as a newly elected Councillor in the Hurunui District. I was one of six candidates who stood and was thrilled to top the polling. I’m determined to make this stunning part of New Zealand an even better place to live, I’m a mother of three, my youngest being six-months.

I am really excited about my new role but I do have one major hesitation…it seems it is going to hit me in the wallet. I am talking about the Remuneration Authority’s unwillingness to reimburse child-care costs associated with Council business. Why is it that the RA will reimburse cellphone and internet usage, as well as mileage for Councillors to get to and from meetings, but not assist with childcare? Yes, we are paid ($19,158 a year) but if I take my childcare expenses out of that, there’ll be little left. I didn’t put my hand up for this job to become rich, but I also didn’t expect it to cost me. I wonder if this is why more women (especially mothers) are not actively involved in local body governance, despite the large number of decisions that affect families and the experience they have to offer.

I have been told my only option is to pitch my case to my fellow Councillors and get their support to have my costs met from a pool of monies that pays for politician’s salaries. I don’t see this as a great way to start my three year term and even if they agree, the decision will need to be signed off by your authority. I’m told that you have turned down similar applications in the past.

I put my hand up for this job in-spite of the unfairness of your Expenses Policy, and now I am asking you, as a mother who entered politics, to relook at the RA Expenses Policy and bring it into line with modern times. I know you’ll see the value we can add to Councils and be keen to capture that experience now and in future elections.

Just a thought…

Julia McLean

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