Last week’s determination by the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal will increase the allowances for councillors from $7000 to $30,000 and from $14,000 to $45,000 for mayors and shire presidents.
In its determination the tribunal said it was important local governments be able to attract capable elected members and current payments ‘did not take into account the significant weight of responsibilities shouldered by elected members’.
Association president and Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard said the decision brought WA into line with the eastern states.
‘The allowances for WA Elected Members were last adjusted in 2005 and prior to that in 1996,’ he said.
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