The panel has turned its discussion to The Age’s recent story on lord mayoral candidate’s promises and whether they can actually be delivered.

Arron Wood said when it comes to the remit of council, there are direct responsibilities that have to be focused on.

“We’ve been focused on that throughout the campaign,” he said.

“Things like city safety, cleanliness, managing the budget appropriately. One of the big roles of Town Hall is to speak on behalf of Town Hall is to speak on behalf of ratepayers and advocate for the best outcomes for the city.”

However, that hasn’t stopped Wood pledging to extend the free tram zone, an area that council has no remit over.

“The free tram zone would be a good outcome particularly for international students and tourists,” he said.

Incumbent Nick Reece has made a similar promise to extend the free tram zone and defended making the pledge.

Loading

“We had a former prime minister Scott Morrison who said ‘I don’t hold a hose mate’. You never hear me say that. I find a way to get things done.”

Anthony Koutoufides has pledged to cut fares on public transport and when pressed on who would foot the bill for this, he concedes it is the state government and public transport operators.

“There might be a company out there that might say I’ll endorse it and sponsor it,” he said.

“We never know with the generosity of the people in Melbourne and some of the people in Melbourne and some of the large businesses that may get behind it to get people back in the city.”

Alicia Loxley asked Reece if people get angry when he makes promises about changing things like fringe benefit tax and said it was disingenuous.

Reece defended this and said “it is a policy that makes absolute sense”.