KINGSTON councillors have voted to approve a pay rise for the mayor.
At their most recent meeting, councillors approved a motion to determine that “the mayoral allowance increase to $100,434 within the category three range, plus an amount equivalent to the superannuation guarantee contribution.” Council currently pays the mayor $94,282.96 a year, plus super.
A report prepared by council officers read that “given the increased responsibility of the mayor with the changes to council structure of nine councillors to eleven and increased legislative responsibilities due to the Local Government Act 2020, it is proposed that the mayoral allowance increase from $94,282.96 to $100,434 which is the maximum allowance afforded to mayors belonging to councils within the category three range, to which the City of Kingston falls under.”
Before the change is finalised, council must call for and consider public submissions on the matter. A committee comprised of the mayor Steve Staikos, deputy mayor Hadi Saab, and Cr Georgina Oxley will hear submissions.
The allowance for councillors is proposed to remain the same.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 31 March 2021
