Councillors hit back at critics on expenses
Councillor Joeline Hackman has called for an end to vilification of some Northern Beaches councillors, following huge media interest after their expenses were published.
Greens member and youngest councillor Ethan Hrnjak was particularly targeted after the September meeting when it was revealed he had claimed $31,866, more than double the average spend of around $12,339 by current councillors. Cr Hackman came in second highest, at $24,087 for the September 2024 to June 2025 period. The next councillor was Jody Williams, at $14,741. The lowest was Sarah Grattan, at $3,672. All expenses incurred were within council guidelines, for items like stationary and transport.
“My expenses were not extravagant – they were about professional development and set-up as a new councillor,” Cr Hackman told PL. “I think our community is sick of this outrage- provoking, point-scoring style of polarising politics.”
Both Cr Hackman and Cr Hrnjak are new to council and undertook the Australian Institute of Company Directors course, which costs $10,000. None of the other six new councillors have claimed for the course. Councillors also receive a yearly fee of $34,820, the maximum allowed per State Government guidelines.
Cr Hrnjak told PL that ‘all of the expenses incurred’ were ‘firmly in council guidelines.’ “There is no question that they are not. To suggest otherwise is inaccurate. I receive a yearly fee that is significantly less than the minimum wage and requires significant time every day to work.”
Council told PL that expenses during the first year of a new council were ‘above average due to enrolment in external training courses, and supply of office equipment such as computers and printers which are for the full term.
“There are also expenses relating to the induction of new councillors to ensure they understand government requirements, from onboarding training courses and attendance at conferences.”
Both Cr Hackman and Cr Hrnjak opposed the recent 25% rate rise, but Cr Hrnjak did not answer PL’s question on whether his spending was a ‘bad look’ at a time of austerity. However, Cr Hackman said she worked a ‘huge amount of hours.’ “I attend meetings to advocate for residents on top of regular council meetings, evening and weekend events.
“I understand the concern about expenses, but that’s exactly why the rules exist: to define what’s reasonable within each category.” Cr Hackman said her expenses would ‘naturally be lower next year’ following her induction.