The NSW Government is considering changes to legislation to require an independent body to set the remuneration of local council General Managers.
In a statement, the Office of Local Government said the move followed community concern that some in the role were getting paid more than the Prime Minister, Premier of NSW and President of the United States.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said submissions were now open for councils and the public to have their say on the salaries paid to council general managers following the launch of a consultation paper on remuneration.
“The comprehensive consultation paper examines general manager salaries to address community concerns they are too high with a large disparity across the state, an increasing gap compared to salaries of other workers, and financial pressures facing some NSW councils,” Mrs Hancock said.
“Currently, individual councils determine the remuneration package whilst independent arbitrators set the remuneration of NSW senior public servants, ministers and members of parliament, as well as mayors and councillors.
“Therefore, the NSW Government is strongly considering mandating that salaries of general managers are set by an independent body, not by elected councillors.”
Mrs Hancock said the Office of Local Government had released a consultation paper showing general manager annual salaries varied from $143,270 to $633,852.
“These managers should receive remuneration not only in line with their duties, skills and experience but in accordance with community expectations,” Mrs Hancock said.
“I encourage residents, businesses, council staff, councillors and local government peak bodies to make a submission by Monday 2 August 2021, which will help inform our review of general manager salaries.”
The consultation paper and more information on how to make a submission can be found at www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/governance/standard-contracts-of-employment/review-of-general-manager-remuneration-consultation-paper.
