Huon Valley Council general manager Jason Browne given 6.5% pay rise

A generous pay rise for a local council general manager has left staff outraged. The GM recently scored a six out of 10 in a performance review.

A generous pay rise for the Huon Valley Council general manager has left staff outraged, according to the Australian Services Union.

Jason Browne, whose employment last year was marred by controversy, is set to receive a 6.5 per cent pay rise, while other council employees will receive a 2.75 per cent rise.

Prior to the increase, Mr Browne’s annual remuneration package $246,175, including a cash component of $200,000.

It equates to a $13,000 rise.

“It’s completely unfair and unacceptable and both hardworking council employees and members of the Huon Valley community have every right to be upset,” ASU Tasmanian branch secretary Lisa Darmanin said.

Ms Darmanin said Mr Browne recently scored 6 out of 10 in a performance review.

“Despite receiving a score of just six out of 10 on performance, the Huon Valley’s general manager has been granted a 6.5 per cent pay increase,” Ms Darmanin said.

“This compares with a pay rise of just 2.75 per cent for council workers who are delivering to high standard every day.”

Decent pay rise: Huon Valley Council GM Jason Browne. Pic Supplied

Ms Darmanin said Huon Valley Council staff should receive a higher pay rise.

“We call on the Huon Valley Council to match the GM’s pay rise of 6.5 per cent for all staff and lay out plans to replace the Director of Community Services,” Ms Darmanin said.

Huon Valley Council mayor Sally Doyle said all councillors concluded Mr Browne’s performance was satisfactory after his performance review.

“As is common practice the General Manager’s performance is assessed annually and his remuneration is also reviewed annually,” Ms Doyle said.

“The General Manager’s contract does not have agreed annual increases built in, as these are determined annually through the performance review outcomes.”

Ms Doyle said wage increased had been locked in after negotiations with the union, and that staff could also receive wage increases after performance reviews.

“Staff’s annual increases are in line with the four year enterprise agreement expiring on 30 June 2025, which was arrived at through consultation with union representatives and employee representatives, before a successful staff vote prior to sign-off by Fairwork in September 2021,” Ms Doyle said.

“The agreement provides for 12 per cent in wage increases over the four years, along with a further two per cent in superannuation increases, maintaining the three per cent premium to the superannuation guarantee level that staff currently have in place.”

Originally published as Huon Valley Council general manager Jason Browne given 6.5% pay rise