Pay rise takes annual allowance for metro mayors to $135k

Dozens of Victorian mayors are now receiving almost $135,000 a year – thanks to a July 1 pay rise. See how much your mayor is paid.

Melblurne’s next Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece will receive an allowance of $269,909. Picture: David Caird

As Victorians brace for their annual rates bill, councillors have been given a pay rise taking allowances to almost $135,000 a year for up to 27 mayors.

The Victorian independent Remuneration Tribunal, which is responsible for setting annual allowances for mayors, deputy mayors and councillors, has determined that all three should receive a 3.5 per cent increase on July 1.

A second 3.5 per cent pay bump was expected to kick in on December 18 for mayors and deputy mayors – the third increase in 18 months.

It comes after Victorian MPs received a pay rise of 3.5 per cent pushing annual salaries above $200,000.

The Tribunal’s ruling means that from July 1 mayors for metropolitan councils and regional cities, including Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo, will be paid $134,954.

Their deputies will receive $67,477 and councillors will have an annual allowance of $40,769.

Smaller metropolitan councils, including Bayside, and larger regional shires such as Mildura, will have a mayoral allowance of $109,114, while the deputy mayor will receive $54,558 and councillors $34,028.

Meanwhile, the rest of their rural counterparts will be paid much smaller allowances of $84,498 for mayors, $42,248 for deputy mayors and $27,291 for councillors.

Council Watch president Dean Hurlston says metro mayors are paid too much. Picture: Kiel Egging.

The Melbourne’s lord mayor will be paid $269,909 and councillors will receive $61,153.

On top of their annual allowance councillors receive superannuation, a computer, mobile phone and $16,000 training allowance.

They can also claim travel, meals, childcare and technology costs.

Ratepayer lobby group Council Watch questioned the move to offer such generous allowances to mayors and deputy mayors for roles that required “no minimum qualifications or experience”.

“We would like to elevate councillor standards with minimums in place for anyone considering the role,” president Dean Hurlston said.

“Ideally it would be compulsory for anyone running at the upcoming elections to include the qualifications and experience they think makes them suitable to sit on council in the candidate profile they submit to the Victorian Electoral Commission.”

Mr Hurlston, whose partner Joe Gianfriddo is currently the Stonnington mayor, said a $135,000 allowance was too high for the role.

“There is nothing stopping councillors from working full time in other paid positions while serving as mayor,” Mr Hurlston said.

“The role should require a minimum equivalent of four days a week work.”

Hume councillor Trevor Dance does not support the pay rises. Picture: supplied

A 2023 Local Government Inspectorate Survey of councillors and mayors found that 59 per cent of councillors and 43 per cent of mayors felt they did not get paid enough.

Southern Grampians Shire Council councillor Mary-Ann Brown said the different pay scales between councils was unfair as many rural councillors were paid 50 per cent less than those on metropolitan councils.

“Is the underlying assumption that councillors at (rural) councils are more highly

qualified and have a higher level of responsibility?” Ms Brown said.

“The time required for rural councillors to fulfil their roles and responsibilities are at least

equal if not more than the time commitment required of councillors at metropolitan or

regional city councils.”

Not all councillors were in favour of the pay rise.

In his submission to the Tribunal, Hume councillor Trevor Dance said too many councillors were using the allowance as a source of income.

“You are not forced to be a councillor, it’s a position that you want to do to help your community,” he said.

Originally published as Pay rise takes annual allowance for metro mayors to $135k