What some people will pay for a spot in local government

Figures released by the NSW Election Funding Authority show that Pat Comben, a former minister in the Queensland Government, had what it took to win one of the nine spots on Clarence Valley Council at the 2008 elections.

To secure a spot at the CVC decision makers' table, Comben spent $6855.50.

Daylight was second, followed by other biggish spenders Karen Toms ($3057.25) and Craig Howe ($2481.98).

Joining Comben, Toms and Howe at the decision makers' table are Richie Williamson ($1263.03), Ian Dinham ($969.96), Jim Simmons ($937.50), Sue Hughes ($374.40), Margaret McKenna ($70) and Ian Tiley (Nil).

Yes, Ian Tiley didn't spend a cent! Well, that's what his declaration to the EFA states.

Tiley wasn't the only candidate who didn't put his hand in his pocket. EFA documents show there were others.

Still, to this day, a number of candidates are yet to reveal how much the exercise cost them.

Here's what the candidates said they spent:

ELIZABETH BLOOMER Nil
JEREMY CHALLACOMBE $ 1,053.00
GRACE CLAGUE No details provided
PATRICK COMBEN $ 6,855.50
IAN DINHAM $ 969.96
TERRENCE FLANAGAN No details provided
MARK KINGSLEY Nil
CRAIG HOWE $ 2,481.98
SUSAN HUGHES $ 374.40
DENISE HYDE $ 1,533.60
KURT KRISTOFFERSEN No details provided
MAURICE MAHER $ 1,748.60
MARGARET MCKENNA $ 70.00
BRENDAN MORANT No details provided
DENNIS PEARCE $ 968.00
DONALD PHILBROOK No details provided
JANET PURCELL $ 467.45
JAMES SIMMONS $ 937.50
IAN TILEY Nil
KAREN TOMS $ 3,057.25
RICHARD WILLIAMSON $ 1,263.03

Go here to see copies of candidates' declarations to the EFA.