In southeast Queensland, Redland City councillors have voted to reject a 2.5 per cent pay rise recommended by the Local Government Remuneration and Discipline Tribunal.
They will instead keep their salaries unchanged from 2010 levels, meaning they have not accepted a pay rise since being elected in 2008.
This is aside from in 2009, when the Tribunal provided an increase to mayors across Queensland in acknowledgment of its under estimation of the demands of the role.
Each year, the Tribunal determines the maximum and minimum pay levels for councillors across Queensland, and individual councils then have 90 days to vote on what is to be paid within that range.
Redland City Mayor Melva Hobson said the tribunal had this year determined councillors across all categories should be paid 2.5 per cent above 2010 levels, but Redland Councillors again did not feel it was appropriate to accept a rise.
“With the cost of living rising on a range of fronts, we know there are many in our community experiencing financial difficulty,” Councillor Hobson said.
“We are very sensitive to the needs in our community and, while not undervaluing the role councillors play in managing the city and meeting locals’ needs and expectations, we realise that ratepayers don’t want to see their elected representatives accepting pay rises while others in the community are struggling.”
Redland City Councillor salaries for 2011:
- Mayor: $145,544
- Deputy Mayor: $98,080
- Councillor: $88,590
