The Mayor and Councillors of Liverpool City Council in metropolitan New South Wales are keeping their pay packets in check – rejecting a potential rise of $20,000 and $5000, respectively.
The Council voted unanimously to keep their pay rise to 2.5 per cent, despite qualifying for much larger increases.
Earlier this year, Liverpool, alongside five other Sydney councils, was reclassified into the large metropolitan category by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.
This meant the maximum fee for the Mayor could have risen to $84,330 and councillors to $28,950.
Instead, councillors will receive a 2.5 per cent increase based on their previous fees of $23,950 (Councillors) and $63,640 (Mayor).
Mayor Wendy Waller said the decision was in line with community expectations.
“I know there are many members of our community who are doing it tough.
“Their wages have basically stalled and I strongly believe payments to councillors should rise at the same rate as other public employees.
“NSW teachers, police and nurses receive a 2.5 per cent increase so our modest increase is in line with those core workers.”
The Mayor said the job could be taxing, but that local government leaders should not be motivated by financial gain.
“It is a very demanding job. We are responsible for one of the fastest-growing LGAs in Sydney, servicing the needs of 210,000 residents and bedding down the new Western Sydney Airport, which is being built in our backyard.
“I have been in public life for 22 years. I have never done it for the money.
“That’s not what gets me out of bed – or keeps me out five or six nights a week. I love the job and I love working to improve outcomes for the Liverpool community.”
