Councillors back salary review

By Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong councillors have voted in favour of changes to the way they are paid that could lead to their receiving pay increases in line with State MPs.
While their allowances may be substantially reduced under the proposal, the councillors would receive the same indexed salary increases as State MPs to allow for increases in the cost of living.
The issue was hotly debated at Monday night’s council meeting when three Greater Dandenong councillors objected to the council making a submission to the State Government supporting a review of councillor allowances.
Corporate services director Phillip Trestrail attempted to calm Springvale South Ward councillor Yvonne Herring by telling her the submission only supported a review and not an increase.
“If the Victorian Local Government Association and Municipal Association of Victoria submissions were to be accepted then we would see an increase, but (there’s nothing else) to suggest an increase.”
Joining Cr Herring in opposition were Springvale North councillor Alan Gordon and Keysborough Ward councillor Roz Blades.
Cleeland Ward councillor Paul Donovan defended the review and said that, regardless of the allowance, issues concerning taxation, superannuation and Work Cover protection needed reviewing.
Cr Donovan said councillors working full time lost most of their $18,000 allowance when it was combined with their incomes and considered at tax time.
He said allowances needed to be tax-free so ratepayers weren’t paying the Federal Government.
Under current conditions, councillors are not covered by Work Cover.
A panel will review the submissions before making a recommendation to the State Government in December this year.