Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood faces scrutiny over council spending

Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood is facing scrutiny following reports regarding his use of a council credit card for various expenditures. The spending includes cocktails at Launceston Airport and a $259 expense for steak and trimmings in Canberra.

Garwood defended the costs, describing them as “the cost of doing business.” The controversy has drawn criticism regarding the use of ratepayer-funded resources and the mayor's response to media coverage of the matter.