The Parasite

The Parasite

(Spongious Maximus)

This Councillor Type takes the ratepayer for everything they can get. They may not know their way around officer's reports, their statutory duties as a Councillor or the Local Government Act, but they are subject matter experts on "The Elected Members’ Entitlement Policy". They meticulously manage expense claims and ensure that every allowance is acquitted in full, on an annual basis.

Parasites avoid, where possible, the core information and decision-making forums of Council, where their contributions are limited to voting with majority, driven by a lack of understanding or concern for the substantive issues at hand. Instead, you will find them at social functions, conferences, and free events, revelling in an environment laden with drinks, canapes, and the allure of a good junket.

The local electorate who attempt engagement, will find that their Parasite is mostly dormant. Emails and requests received are generally ignored or cursorily palmed off. But then, every four years there is a sudden flurry of activity. During this time The Parasite will stop and nothing to ingratiate themselves with ratepayers, shamelessly taking credit for any positive developments that happened to take place in the district over the intervening years.

Then, upon successful re-election: dormancy resumes until the next re-election cycle begins again.

Skill rating:

Read reports: 0/10

Effective oversight: 0/10

Waste ratepayer money: 4/10

Performance manage CEO: 0/10

Local government needs better elected members.

#wakeupjoondalup