Bundaberg Regional councillor income under the microscope

Bundaberg Regional Council’s annual report states that elected members of council were collectively paid more than $1 million in the 2020-21 financial year. But that is not all many councillors are doing.

The NewsMail takes a look at councillors' other jobs, if any.

The NewsMail is providing an at-a-glance look at our local councillors and how they‘re making a living in addition to their government job, if at all.

Bundaberg Regional Council’s annual report states that elected members of council were collectively paid more than $1 million in the 2020-21 financial year.

Mayor Jack Dempsey was paid $158,149.78.

Deputy Mayor Bill Trevor was paid $104,027.04.

The rest of the councillors each netted $91,543.33.

Councillor wages are set by the Queensland Independent Remuneration Tribunal, a body established by the State Government.

The NewsMail has contacted all councillors to ask what other jobs they while being a local government representative, if any, and consulted the councillor register of interest.

Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey. Photo Paul Beutel

While Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey did not respond directly, documents reveal the Mayor keeps his business strictly government-only; he does not have any other job in the community.

Jason Bartels, Division 1.

Division 1 councillor Jason Bartels did not respond to the question directly, but earns income from his role with JP & JF Bartels Partnership, listed as “residential property rental income”.

Deputy Mayor Bill Trevor.

Deputy Mayor and Division 2 councillor Bill Trevor did not respond to a request for information, but has five sources of extra income listed under the “$500 or more per year” category.

Mr Trevor‘s income sources include agricultural contracting, the sale of second-hand machinery, business support and the sale of Isis Central Sugar Limited shares.

Wayne Honor, Division 3.

Division 3 councillor Wayne Honor, who did not respond to the NewsMail‘s question, earns income from two rental properties, from Honors Gravel, from the sale of farm machinery and produce, Sunwater allocation (lessor) and has earned income from superannuation drawdown.

Mr Honor is a shareholder in the Gin Gin Community Bendigo Bank and Coachtrail Investments Pty Ltd.

He also has an Honor Family Trust.

Tracey McPhee, Division 4. Photo: Supplied.

Division 4 councillor and Alowishus owner Tracey McPhee did not respond specifically to the question posed by the NewsMail.

However, council documents reveal Ms McPhee draws income from a businesses and residential properties for which she is the owner/landlord.

Ms McPhee has a number of assets over $5000 and is in a number of family and business trusts, as well as being a trustee and beneficiary of Praxis Developments.

Greg Barnes, Division 5.

Division 5 councillor Greg Barnes responded to the NewsMail‘s request and said he did not hold any other job while working for the council.

“I don’t hold any other job except the voluntary work that I do as a JP (of 20 years) and president of the Bargara Remembers Anzac Day Committee (for 25 years),” he said.

“My focus is 100 per cent on community issues with a strong focus on public consultation and accountability.

“My only paid role is in my capacity as a councillor.”

Mr Barnes owns shares in Abington Aquaculture and also receives some income as a result of his former job as a police officer, where he was hurt on duty.

Division 6 councillor Tanya McLoughlin.

Division 6 councillor Tanya McLoughlin did not respond to questions, but documents show her only other source of income is Deeper Essentials (active business registration only).

Vince Habermann, Division 7.

Division 7 councillor Vince Habermann did respond to the NewsMail’s call-out for information.

He told the NewsMail that his work was primarily in the community and in local sport.

“I do not hold any other paid jobs and do not own any businesses,” he said.

“I do umpire cricket as a hobby on some Saturday afternoons or Sundays from 9am-2pm when I don’t have council or other commitments at the same time, and received small payments for this (the same as other umpires).

“Also in my own time, I write a monthly Bundaberg Rugby League report for League Queensland magazine for which I get paid a small amount, and I freely write twice weekly sports columns for Bundaberg Now in my own time as a service to sport and the community.

“But my sole focus is on serving the people of Bundaberg Regional Council as a councillor.

“I also perform a number of voluntary positions within the community for a range of community, sport, school and church groups.”

Steve Cooper, Division 8.

Division 8 councillor Steve Cooper responded to the NewsMail and said he was at a family engagement, and directed attention to online documents.

Mr Cooper is part of a family trust with his wife and his only income of more than $500 is listed as drawing down of superannuation.

Councillor May Mitchell. Photo: Paul Beutel

Division 9 councillor May Mitchell did not respond, but documents show the long-time council worker has no interests listed under the category of other sources of income over $500.

Councillor John Learmonth.

Division 10 councillor John Learmonth did not respond to questions, however, documents show he holds shares in 10 different corporations and four companies.

He also has a family trust and lists multiple assets valued at more than $5000.

Mr Learmonth has three sources of income of more than $500 a year listed, those being the John Learmonth Family Trust, the John Learmonth Family Super Fund and Dividend - Pathrose No 2 Pty Ltd.

Originally published as Bundaberg Regional councillor income under the microscope