Geelong council chief Ali Wastie’s $654k package tops local government pay list

With a new financial year bringing with it a pay rise, we’ve taken a deep dive into what each of the Geelong region’s local government executives, mayors and councillors will pocket in the coming 12 months. SEE THE NUMBERS.

Ali Wastie commenced her role as City of Greater Geelong chief executive in August 2023. Picture: Supplied.

The back pockets of local councillors have been given a boost, but an analysis of council budgets finds it’s the chief executives who will rake in the big bucks this financial year.

City of Greater Geelong boss Ali Wastie, who oversees approximately 2000 staff and expected revenue of $728m in 2025/26, has a package of $654,000 that incorporates not only her salary, but allowances for professional development and “employee amenities”.

A “CEO employment and remuneration matter” was confidentially discussed at council’s June meeting, but a council spokeswoman said the salary component was just shy of $490,000.

Premier Jacinta Allan’s annual salary package is $512,972, including an almost $65,000 expenses allowance, making her the nation’s highest-paid premier.

Ms Wastie’s package is forecast to increase to $777,000 in 2028/29, according to the budget that was endorsed by council on June 24.

As the state government appointed chair of both Alpine Resorts Victoria and the group overseeing the $108m Royal Melbourne Showgrounds redevelopment, Ms Wastie will also receive an estimated $100,000 in board fees.

Her Surf Coast counterpart Robyn Seymour, appointed on a five-year contract in 2021, will be paid around $380,000, while the Borough of Queenscliffe’s Martin Gill will receive $295,000, which includes a car allowance.

Borough of Queenscliffe chief executive Martin Gill, Geelong’s Ali Wastie and Surf Coast’s Robyn Seymour.

The situation at Golden Plains Shire is less clear because Steven Sagona is acting in the role following the sudden departure of Shane Walden in February after just six months.

Applications for the ongoing chief executive role closed June 18 and a spokesman said the “process is progressing”.

Former long-term chief executive Eric Braslis was paid up to $310,000 in 2023.

Councillors across the state have been awarded a 3 per cent increase to their “allowance” by the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal.

It came into effect on July 1, with mayors and deputy mayors are the biggest beneficiaries.

At the top of the list is Geelong’s Stretch Kontelj and Ron Nelson, who will receive $142,661 and $71,329 respectively.

Surf Coast mayor Mike Bodsworth and Golden Plains’ Owen Sharkey will each pocket $115,347, while Borough of Queenscliffe’s Di Rule gets $89,323.

All mayor and deputy mayor allowances will increase by a further 3 per cent in December.

Local mayors Mike Bodsworth (Surf Coast), Di Rule (Queenscliffe), Stretch Kontelj (Geelong) and Owen Sharkey (Golden Plains).

The allowance for Geelong councillors has increased to almost $42,000, while Surf Coast and Golden Plains representatives will get a touch over $35,000.

Queenscliffe’s councillors pocket $28,110.

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman, like all other state parliamentarians, has been handed a 3 per cent pay rise that takes his annual salary to just shy of $212,000.

Factoring in a range of other allowances available to him, including up to $28,801 for accommodation when parliament sits, Mr Cheeseman could receive more than $300,000 this financial year.

Thumbs up if you got a pay rise: South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman. Picture: Facebook

This comes in the face of widespread community frustration about his lack of presence locally after he was forced out of Labor’s parliamentary team.

Mr Kontelj last week claimed Mr Cheeseman was “taking the piss” by remaining in parliament.

An overwhelming 94 per cent of more than 2500 respondents to an online ‘Addy poll want Mr Cheeseman to resign and a by-election held.

Originally published as Geelong council chief Ali Wastie’s $654k package tops local government pay list