Pay rise meets mixed reaction

By Callan Date
CASEY councillors can expect an extra $5500 in their hip pocket from the start of 2009.
The State Government announced the pay rise last week as part of a package designed to “better reflect the contribution made by locally elected councillors.”
Local civic leaders will receive $18,000 for their work in 2008, but can expect a pay packet of $23,500 from next year.
Casey mayor Janet Halsall will get $57,500 for her efforts this year as well as the use of mayoral vehicle. Next year’s mayor can expect up to $75,000 for the one-year term.
Councillors are also provided with a mobile phone for use in their duties as a councillor and receive a notebook computer, fax/printer and a filing cabinet if they wish.
A $5000 travel and education allowance is also paid to each councillor each year.
Local Government Minister Richard Wynne said the new package would take effect after the elections of all 79 local councils occur on November 29.
“It is important that we continue to attract the best quality candidates to stand for local government,” Mr Wynne said.
“A more realistic councillor support package will help to remove barriers from potential candidates putting their hands up for elections to local government.”
Not all local councillors agreed with the extra cash.
Cr Steve Beardon said councillors should not use their $5000 travel allowance if they were going to accept the pay rises.
“They have my support for an increase in their allowance if they agree to forfeit their annual $5000 junket allowance,” he said.
“That will see them remain on the current package.”
Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) acting president Janet Rice said they were somewhat happy with the announcement.
“Existing councillors and would-be candidates will be disappointed that today’s announcement does not deliver the progressive and sweeping changes that had been expected,” Ms Rice said.
“The VLGA will continue to work hard to ensure that research and reviews in the future shine a realistic light on the changing roles of councillors,” she said.