Having read the motion and compared that with Duncan's concern I am confused.

The motion did not seek a "committee" - it sought "budget information workshop".

A big difference exists.

Questioning elements of a budget and its component elements should be a necessary step to open government, and where a workshop is the ideal platform.

For Mayor Gair to suggest it's effectively secret business that only experts can decipher is part of the problem.

Having a workshop demonstrates openness.

Issues seen through independent eyes might well uncover errors or imbalance and be corrected.

I see the suggestion as being a refreshing change of inclusiveness and long overdue.

Peter Cunningham

Mittagong