Bordreline Albury Wodonga

When the general manager of Albury City Council, Les Tomich announced on October 14, 2011 that 'Mr Claxton (Team Leader, Cemeteries and Crematoria) and council had terminated their relationship (read article last edition), end of story' it was all for public consumption. At first glance Mr Tomich's aside seems to suggest that the termination was by mutual consent maybe not as cordial as a parting and minus the after work drinks, but nevertheless there was nothing contentious about it. That's what they'd have you believe. The truth is however, there were more ominous reasons for Mr Claxtons's departure which Albury City Council was less than forthcoming in explaining.

Previously on August 22 Mr Tomich had informed councillors that the reason for the 'termination of the relationship' between Albury City council and Mr Claxton was explained rather cryptically as; …the reason for termination of Mr Claxton employment were significant inappropriate behavior and significant misconduct… and that (Mr Tomich) I would advise ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption) of Council's findings and actions in the matter and will advise the NSW Police of suspected fraudulent behavior as required by legislation. (See archives Sept/November 2011 for Mr Tomich's statement with councilors and senior staff).

Naturally such information would be best kept confidential as Mr Tomich stated; 'there may be further investigations by ICAC and/or the police. Mr Tomich asked that those in receipt the letter to cooperate in keeping the matter confidential. They were only too willing to oblige.

The real reason Mr Claxton and Albury City Council 'had terminated their relationship' was that Mr Claxton was receiving secret commissions - kickbacks from a Melbourne company who provided bronze plaques and other product supplied to the cemeteries and crematoria under the jurisdiction of Albury City Council. It is believed that Albury City Council through Mr Claxton acted as an agent for that company and that those wishing to commission a plaque were not told that they were able to purchase a memorial of their choice from any number of companies providing such products complied with council regulations. It was a closed shop. Mr Claxton had been team leader of Albury city Council's cemeteries and crematoria since 2005. Some years previous his father was manager for 21 years.

Mr Claxton was paid a commission in the sale of these products. How much he received is unknown but with a rudimentary brass plaque costing about $500 with other adornments and placement an added expense it was obviously a financially rewarding relationship. With over five hundred people being buried or cremated at Glenmorus Gardens annually, even a modest commission of $20 per plaque the return to Mr Claxton was considerable and would have been a nice little earner on top of his $80,000 salary plus car. How long Mr Claxton was involved in these kickbacks is not known. Whether the company manufacturing the plaques took advantage of their exclusive deal with Mt Claxton by doing a bit of price gouging of their own is anyone's guess. It is believed that Mr Claxton has since been employed by that company.
According to council accounts while Cemeteries and crematoria is run on user pays basis there is still a shortfall in the operating costs of $1.2 million dollars, the ratepayers of Albury pick up the tab for the shortfall of about $370,00 a year.