Revealed: Average spend on perks and expenses for Victorian councils
The local government watchdog has revealed councils are spending more than $80,000 on average for councillor expenses. Here’s the kind of perks on offer.
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Victorian councils are spending an average $81,000 a year on councillor expenses, with many also getting perks like tablets, mobile phones and printers for home use, says the municipal watchdog.
The claimed expenses and perks are on top of allowances given to all councillors, which are up to $98,465 for mayors and $30,827 for councillors, while the City of Melbourne pays more.
Surveys by the Local Government Inspectorate found that ratepayers are covering expenses like computers, travel costs, training and childcare across all councils.
In 2016-17, the average spend by councils on councillor expenses was $81,000.
“Eight councils supplied at least one of their councillors with a fax machine and 46 councils supplied a printer for home use,” said an Inspectorate report.
“Ninety-four per cent of councils supplied councillors with a mobile phone and 76 per cent provided them with an iPad or tablet.”
A Herald Sun analysis of Melbourne City Council expenses shows that councillors claimed a total of about $60,000 in the year to July.
This included $23,597 for communication costs like mobile phones and internet use, and $21,510 for travel costs, mainly involving taxis and use of cars for council business.
Deputy Lord Mayor Arron Wood had the most expenses of any councillor - $15,622, including $13,710 for travel costs mainly involving use of a council electric car.
Next was Lord Mayor Sally Capp with $9809 in total expenses, including $6355 for travel and $3434 for communication.
The Lord Mayor also gets an annual allowance of $196,931, while Cr Wood receives $98,465, plus super.
Both have significant duties to perform as council leaders, while all councillors have “significant demands and expectations” placed on them in carrying out their civic and statutory functions, according to a council document.
“Councillors accept a range of responsibilities in representing a capital city government and its community and stakeholders at a local, national and international level,” it said.
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City of Melbourne councillors get allowances of $46,240 plus super, while other Victorian councillors get up to $30,827 and super.
Mayors receive up to $98,465 plus super.
The Inspectorate is expected to release a final report on expenses in December.