Councillor remuneration recommendations released

As part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to building stronger, sustainable councils, the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal’s second determination on remuneration for Queensland Councillors has been released.

The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal, the independent body that reviews the wages of elected representatives to local governments across Queensland, has recommended that Councillor wages continue to be set as a percentage of the remuneration Members of Parliament receive.

The Local Government Minister, Warren Pitt, said the independence of the Tribunal continued to be a strong factor in its success.

“By having an independent organisation review the way Councillors are remunerated for their work in their councils and communities, we are able ensure that ratepayers are receiving value for money,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Tribunal has continued to group councils into 10 categories based on the criteria set out in its report.

“These categories are then ranked and a remuneration range established relative to the remuneration of Members of the Queensland Legislative Assembly

“This year the Tribunal has recommended that the Ipswich City Council step up a category, from category 6 to category 7.

“This change reflects the growth of Ipswich and the challenges it faces in south east Queensland.

“The Tribunal also recommended an increase in the remuneration of mayors of Indigenous Councils as well as the Torres and Cook Shire Councils, as these councils face unique challenges.

“The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal has also maintained its practice of setting remuneration ranges that provide councils with flexibility in dealing with their local circumstances,” Mr Pitt said.

A full report about the Tribunal’s second determination is available on its website www.lgp.qld.gov.au/remunerationtribunal.

For enquiries about councillor remuneration, please contact the Tribunal via its Secretariat by emailing remunerationtribunal@dlgsr.qld.gov.au or by telephoning 1800 030 114.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819