Councillors awarded massive allowance rise

Busselton City councillors’ annual allowances could jump more than 200 per cent under the first review of local government salaries in eight years.

The State Government’s Salaries and Allowance Tribunal determination, which takes effect on July 1, has lifted the maximum annual allowance for the mayor to $29,500, while the ceiling for councillors was raised to $22,000.

The minimum amount for all members was set at $14,500.

The mayor now receives an annual allowance of $14,000 and councillors $7000.

In its decision, the tribunal said the current allowances and expenses “did not take into account the significant weight of responsibilities shouldered by elected council members”.

The ruling will see the allowance range come to parity with other states and territories.

Busselton mayor Ian Stubbs said the ruling was a “good decision” that had been well overdue.

“For the amount of work (councillors) do and the time they commit, this is a fair compensation and will be good for local governments,” he said.

Members of the sector are hopeful the increase will raise the talent pool of those seeking office.

WA Local Government Association president Troy Pickard said the “meagre” financial support had acted as a disincentive for many potential elected members to make a commitment to the role.

“It is fair that the commitment in time and comprehension of increasingly complex issues required of modern elected members should be financially recognised,” he said.

The council will consider at a future meeting where to set the allowances within the band determined by the tribunal.

City of Busselton chief executive Mike Archer said officers would provide information that should be considered as part of this process through a report to the council.

“The City has been aware of this review for some time and has anticipated an increase in allowances,” he said.

“Due to the council reducing from 13 councillors to nine and forward planning in relation to this review, any increases will be able to be accommodated through the usual budget process.”