2023-02-07 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   7 FEBRUARY 2023




                                                     Page 39 of 58

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                 7 FEBRUARY 2023

              3.Remuneration determination

              Remuneration determination for councillors

              As required by section 246 of the Regulation the Commission has prepared a
              remuneration schedule for the 2022-2023 financial year, applicable from 1 July 2023 (the
              Schedule), which appears below.

              Arrangements have been made to publish the Schedule in the Queensland Government
              Gazette and for this Report to be printed and presented to the Minister for Local
              Government.

              Methodology

              The Commission had regard to the matters in section 244 and 247 (2), (5) of the Regulation
              in determining the Schedule. The Commission also noted and had regard to the matters
              listed on pages 6 to 10 of this Report to determine the appropriate maximum remuneration
              in each category of local government.

              Matters not included in the remuneration schedule

              During the 2022 consultation     period, the Whitsunday Regional Council sought
              clarification in relation to whether a mechanism may be implemented to ensure that
              Mayors and Councillors remuneration is suspended when campaigning for Federal
              political office, similar to the provisions which are provided for in s.160B of the Act for
              Mayors and Councillors campaigning for State political office.

              Whitsunday Regional Council also requested the introduction of additional remuneration
              rates for Acting Mayors and Acting Deputy Mayors for prolonged relief arrangements (e.g.,
              paid at 80% of the scheduled rate for periods in excess of a four-week vacancy or
              absence).

              The Commission notes that the submission is not a request for approval for a specific
              councillor to remunerated at a level more than the maximum amount payable under the
              Schedule, or in relation to categories of local government generally. The Commission
              considers that it is unable to issue any determination about the remuneration payable to
              sitting Mayors or Councillors who are running for office in Federal elections as this is a
              matter that is outside the Commission’s statutory functions. The Commission also does
              not have the power to approve remuneration at an amount lower than in the Schedule.

              The Commission nevertheless notes the submission regarding potential inconsistency
              between candidates for State elections and Federal elections, and will refer this matter
              back to the Department for further consideration.

      LOCAL GOVERNMENT REMUNERATION COMMISSION | ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22                                  15

                                                                                                      Page 39 of 58