Independent tribunal to set mayoral pay

PAY rates of Victoria’s mayors — many of whom are on $100,000-plus packages — will be set by an independent remuneration tribunal.

The State Government sets maximum rates and allowances for mayors according to council size, with councillors usually voting to accept the maximum figure.

This is $94,641 plus 9.5 per cent superannuation for mayors in top-tier, category 3 councils such as Boroondara, Hume, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Whittlesea, and Moreland.

Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins said the Government would move to have mayoral and councillor allow- ances set by an independent remuneration tribunal.

The body will also set salaries and allowances of MPs, senior public servants and other office holders.

“I believe that councillors and mayors, just like members of Parliament, shouldn’t set their own salary,” she said.

The tribunal will take into account factors including the irregular hours of mayors and councillors, that the roles are largely on call, and the volume of meetings.

Former Moreland mayor Cr Oscar Yildiz said that paying category 3 mayors more than $100,000 was warranted as long as they worked hard.

The problem was there was no proper accountability by mayors for their performance.