From 1 July 2024, Councillor and Mayoral Fees at Council will increase only marginally by a CPI equivalent with Mayor Tony Reneker explaining that this term of Council is once again committed to ensuring the impact on rates from their fees is kept to a minimum.
“This year, the Government Remuneration Tribunal has set a range for large rural councils of between $10,220 and $18,340. Having regard to the financial pressures being faced by Leeton Shire, Councillors have once again determined a fee at the low end, being $12,143,” he said.
The same percentage increase (3.75%) will apply to the additional Mayoral allowance which will be $26,507, almost $13,000 less than the maximum allowable.
Together, the new Leeton Shire councillor fees are $68K less than the maximum permitted by the Remuneration Tribunal.
Under law, all Councillors must accept their fee.
The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal is the agency that reviews the fee schedules for different sized councils across NSW each year. For large rural councils in 2024/25, of which Leeton Shire is one, the Tribunal has nominated a range of between $10,220 and $18,340 for councillors, and between $16,330 and $39,350 additional for mayors.
Councillors who have opted in will also continue to receive superannuation contributions based on the superannuation guarantee rate of 11.5%, pursuant to the Commonwealth Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992.
Mayor Cr Tony Reneker said, “By accepting only a minimal increase, Councillors have once again sought to minimise the financial burden on ratepayers; this time saving $68K on the bottom line compared to the maximum rate possible.”
