The mj

摘要

Communities secretary Eric Pickles has long been criticised for his biscuit bill. But it seems local government in Australia is feasting on a lot more than Jaffa Cakes. Figures obtained by The Advertiser newspapershowed taxpayers funded $330,000 of catering costs for meetings and workshops across 14 metro councils last financial year. Members of Onkaparinga Council have been enjoying a smorgasbord of dishes including lasagnes, curries, roast dinners, cold meat, fruit platters and cheesecake. Over at Adelaide Town Hall, the chicken, pizza and mini tiramisu served up was described as 'low ebb' compared to the oysters, crayfish and chocolate tortes on offer 20 years ago. Australian Local Government Association president Felicity Ann-Lewis defended the perk, arguing councillors needed to be well nourished.