Credit card usage

Published on 12 September 2018

Credit card usage at Burnside Council

In August 2017 a Freedom of Information application resulted in a list of Council credit card transactions for the period June 2015 to July 2017 being released. Council also provided details of each transaction over $100 (see attached).

Information on this matter has been in the public domain since we issued the FOI document in September 2017.

Council’s adopted Procurement Framework promotes the use of credit cards for low value one-off purchases as an efficient means of sourcing goods and services.

Expenditure of this nature, managed in this way, is considered a reasonable and efficient practice for the day-to-day operations of any business.

Business meetings are often held over a meal with representatives from other councils, state government, MPs, and private industry. Lunches are held to recognise staff achievements or service awards; improving staff morale and thus in turn the service Council provides to the community. It is often more economical to hold meetings, seminars and training at external premises rather than calling for catering at a Council venue.

Further, there are associated costs relating to staff and Elected Members fulfilling their duties while undertaking Council business.

For the two-year period of June 2015 to July 2017, as detailed in the FOI, on average, $755 per month was spent on such meetings for our entire organisation and Elected Member body.

No misuse of credit cards has been found against staff. Council will continue to ensure our processes and policies are adhered to and have regard to any feedback we receive from our community wherever possible.