Half a million for external memberships seems extravagant.

That’s about a quarter of our homelessness budget.

A mind-boggling number that would stun any other Council in the state. I ran this number by some Leichardt Councillors and they said if we only had half a million we could do so much for the community.

I’m half tempted to run a motion next week that we suspend all external memberships for a year and take the 250 homeless people we have for a weeks holiday – at least the benefit would be tangible.

However, I understand that things like external memberships can easily get out of hand – these groups can be very charming and many just force themselves on an organisation.

If we had to tighten our belts we’d find plenty to cut. I believe any level of government should run lean.

I’m certainly considering a motion for next week, that a re-evaluation of these external memberships occur and that we place a classification on each one of:

1. Essential
2. Nice to Have
3. Not Essential

Moving to Sustainable Business Australia, my understanding is that this group helps businesses to sell their sustainable wares – we don’t have any sustainable offerings to sell.

I couldn’t see any other Council that was a member and the City of Sydney stood out us a rather odd member.

So I ask the question – and I’d like a hand on heart answer – is this membership:

1. Essential
2. Nice to Have
3. Not Essential