Mayor's Spending Under Fire Amid Council Criticism

Holding Marsh to His Own Standard: Does His Record Stack Up?

Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh has been the Shire’s most expensive and least performing councillor during the 2020–2024 term. With high allowances, costly trips and few resident requests lodged, his record raises questions of value for ratepayers — especially in light of his criticism of Frankston’s mayor and claims about spending not passing the pub test.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has come out swinging in recent weeks, deflecting questions and attacking critics after STPL News reported that his commentary on Frankston City Council’s sister cities program did not pass the “pub test”. Since that report, he has maintained a combative public stance, with Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro consistently backing his position.

Highest-cost councillor

Mornington Peninsula Shire council expenditure report 2020-2024 term. — *Council documents reveal that Mayor Anthony Marsh was the most expensive councillor in the 2020-2024 term.*

Council expenditure data shows that by 31 August 2024, Cr Marsh’s total allowances, reimbursements and expenses for the current council term reached $272,366.57 — the highest of all 11 councillors.

This included:

$217,880.29 in allowances
$22,522.20 in superannuation
$11,999.67 in private car mileage
$9,333.26 in conferences and training (plus $3,200 travel and $784 accommodation)
$4,631.38 in parking and travel
Smaller amounts in information/communications and other costs

The Darwin trip controversy

Scrutiny Marsh’s spending includes his 2022 trip to Darwin. Several councillors said he had previously indicated he would not seek reimbursement; Marsh later lodged a claim that council ultimately approved after debate. Marsh said he had funded the trip upfront and would only claim if there was a tangible outcome for the shire.

Concerns about the mayor’s spending patterns had already been raised publicly, in a local publication.

Fewest requests for residents

Councillor requests list with total requests 7095. — *Freedom of Information data obtained by STPL News shows that Marsh completed the fewest requests of any full-term councillor.*

Further insight comes from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request lodged by STPL News in October 2024, which examined the use of the Councillor Request System from 2020 to 2024.

The system allows councillors to lodge requests on behalf of residents or to resolve ward issues. The data revealed stark contrasts in councillor engagement.

Cr David Gill lodged the most requests at 1,418, followed closely by Cr Antonella Celi with 1,282.

Cr Anthony Marsh, by contrast, submitted just 131 requests, placing him among the least active councillors.

Although some councillors served only partial terms, Marsh completed a full term and still recorded one of the lowest volumes of requests.

Limited outcomes

The combined picture raises questions about the value ratepayers received for the cost of Marsh’s term. While drawing the highest total in allowances and expenses, his measurable engagement with resident issues via the request system was comparatively low. Critics also point to a pattern of spending on personal development — including an $8,000 leadership course in 2021 — that, they argue, has not translated into clear community outcomes.

The hypocrisy of bashing a neighbouring mayor and claiming Frankston’s spending did not pass the pub test, while refusing to answer questions and continuing to deflect, has only sharpened scrutiny on Marsh’s own record.