Coronavirus: Calls grow for Manningham Council to scrap vote on proposed councillor pay rise
Calls are growing for a council in Melbourne’s east to scrap a proposed councillor payrise, which would put its mayor on a six-figure salary despite the coronavirus’ disastrous impact.
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A suburban Melbourne mayor could get a $20,000 pay boost while thousands are out of work and others are forced to slash their pay packet.
Manningham councillors are set to vote on the pay rise on April 28 to bring them in line with neighbouring councils of a similar size — with Mayor Paul McLeish set to get an allowance of $100,434.
The eight other councillors will receive $31,444 each — a jump of $5000.
The pay rise was approved by Local Government Minister Adam Somyurek and councillors voted in February to put the proposal out for public consultation, which closes on Monday.
Warrandyte business owner Mary-Anne Lowe has started a Change.org petition calling for the council to scrap the pay rise, which had more than 150 signatures as of noon Friday.
Ms Lowe said the vote was inappropriate given the impact of the coronavirus outbreak and with council elections scheduled later this year.
“It shows a lack of thought and understanding of what is going on around them if they are to still put this on the table and have a discussion,” she said.
“They need to take the lead and show this isn’t the right time.”
Ratepayers Victoria vice president Frank Sullivan said it would be“immoral” for the councillors to get a pay rise in this climate.
He called for an independent renumeration tribunal to determine councillor wages.
“They have to bear some pain like the rest of the community over this COVID-19 matter,” Mr Sullivan said.
“No one likes to see anyone lose jobs, but thousands are and some businesses will never reopen.
“Why should councils be exempt from this pain that’s going on?”
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Premier Daniel Andrews and state Labor MPs will donate their upcoming 4.8 per cent pay rises, scheduled for July 1, to COVID-19 related causes.
The Government announced the move after Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien called for a pay freeze for all state politicians.
Council spokesman Andrew McMaster said nine submissions had been made so far and the council would consider them when the vote takes place on April 28.
Mr McMaster said the council was “acutely aware” of the evolving impact coronavirus was having on the Manningham community.
“In considering this matter, the council will take into account the feedback received from the community as well as the significant economic shift that has occurred since this process commenced in late 2019,” he said.
Cr McLeish was contacted for comment.