Casey’s newly-appointed administrators will earn almost $500,000
For four years Casey ratepayers will pay three administrators just over half of what the ten-person council and CEO cost. But critics say it’s a costly, less-democratic replacement and want an election next year.
South East
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Ratepayers will fork out hundreds of thousands of dollars for three newly appointed Casey Council administrators.
The Leader can reveal the total cost of administrators’ salaries is $428,650, with chairperson Noelene Duff earning $281,300 per year and panel members Cameron Boardman and Miguel Belmar earning $147,350 each.
The panel, whose wages have been determined by the State Government, have been appointed until the 2024 general council election.
Ms Duff is current interim administrator and former Whitehorse Council chief executive, Mr Boardman is the Interim Director of the Oceania Cyber Security Centre and Mr Belmar is a practising barrister with a specialised understanding of community engagement, planning and consultation.
According to last year’s annual report, former mayor and councillor Amanda Stapledon earned $89,352, Cr Geoff Ablett earned $51,298, while 10 other councillors earned $33,535 each.
Chief executive Glenn Patterson earned between $320,000 to $329,999.
HAVE YOUR SAY: How do you feel about paying for administrators? Tell us in the comments section below.
The council, which is at the centre of a current IBAC probe into contentious planning decisions, was sacked in February on the recommendation of its monitor Laurinda Gardner.
Ratepayers’ Victoria president Dean Hurlston said it was an “exorbitant amount” to spend on administrators.
Mr Hurlston argues while the over all cost of a ten-person team of councillors is greater, it is better value for money for ratepayers.
“Diversity of opinion of among 10 or so councillors is certainly worth $30,000 each per year, but this move is out of step with community expectations as decision making will only be among three people,” he said.
“It isn’t good enough.”
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“There is also the additional cost of the chief executive to take into account. There should be an election after one year of administrators as this tenure is too long.”
Casey Council corporate services director Sheena Frost said like councillor allowances, the allowances payable to administrators were determined by the Local Government Minister.
“The City of Casey does not determine the level of allowance and is instead required to make payments as directed,” Ms Frost said.
“Administrators must perform all the functions, powers and duties of a councillor of the Casey City Council, including representing the interests of Casey’s communities in their decision making, she said.
The IBAC hearings have been adjourned until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.