A councillor from one of Perth’s major local governments has issued an apology for attempting to charge taxpayers for a visit to a strip club during an official council trip to Adelaide. The incident highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in public service.

Nige Jones, a City of Joondalup councillor, described the incident as an “honest mistake.” He explained that he entered Crazy Horse Revue, which is prominently advertised with a bright neon sign and is known online as “Australia’s most iconic gentleman’s club,” simply in search of a late-night drink. His intention was to have a quick beer before an early morning flight, and he estimated his stay lasted “20 minutes max.”

In an interview with Perth’s 6PR radio on Tuesday, Jones recounted, “I couldn’t sleep, and I went out for a drink thinking it might help me sleep. I went into the first bar within two minutes from where I was staying.” He continued, “I got a beer, and then a few minutes later, a girl walked out, skimpily dressed, and I realized what’s going on.”

The incident came to light when, on August 26, Jones filed an expense claim for his conference trip, inadvertently including the cost of the beer purchased at the strip club. The situation serves as a reminder of the vigilance required in maintaining public trust and the responsibility public officials hold in their financial conduct.

On August 26, he submitted an expense claim for costs associated with the conference trip and included the strip club beer.

The council censured him earlier this month and ordered him to undertake an “education course on ethical decision making” and provide a “written reflection on his actions”.

The reflection was sent in on November 19 and Jones said he’d booked himself in for the course in March, the earliest date available.

“It’s definitely not where a councillor should be,” Jones told 6PR.

“I accept that, and I apologise to the ratepayers for that, but like I said, I didn’t actually receive the reimbursement – the council picked up on it straight away.”

Jones said the strip club visit took place about 11.30pm and he had “documentation to prove that I was in the next pub not shortly after”. 

“At the time, I just thought it was a mistake and I left,” he said, admitting he was embarrassed about the incident now.

“It was like, you know, it was 20 minutes max in there.

“You know, if I was a pervo, I would have stayed in longer.”

If he had his time again, he “wouldn’t have put the bloody receipt in”. 

“But I did it in kind of innocence, because I didn’t think I was up to no good,” Jones said.

“I was just looking for a late beer. 

“I was in an area that I’m not familiar with, you know, I’m not familiar with Adelaide at all.”