The role of a Councillor

Getting involved with your local council is a great way to make a difference in the community. Anyone can be a Councillor if they’re:

  • an Australian citizen
  • an eligible British subject
  • enrolled to vote in Manningham.

Being a Councillor isn’t a full-time job. Councillors do have to go to meetings and briefing sessions held out of normal business hours. They’re also required to attend committees or serve on external committees as a representative.

 

The duties of a Councillor

The definition of a Councillor in the Local Government Act 2020 is a person who:

  • participates in the decision making of the Council
  • represents the interests of the municipal community in that decision making.

Councillors also contribute to strategic decision. They help develop and review key strategic documents and the Council Plan.

 

A Councillor must put the interests of their community first

A Councillor must:

  • consider the diversity of interests and needs of the community
  • support the role of the Council
  • acknowledge and support the role of the Mayor
  • act lawfully and in accordance with the oath or affirmation of office; and
  • act in accordance with the standards of conduct; and
  • comply with Council procedures required for good governance.

Councillors don’t have the same duties or responsibilities as a Chief Executive Officer.

 

Do Councillors receive an allowance?

The Mayor and Councillors receive an allowance.

The range of allowances paid to Councillors is set by the Victorian Government. The Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal will soon determine the level of allowances.

By 30 June, the year after a general election, a review of allowances will take place. Allowance levels will remain the same for the full term of the Council. The Minister for Local Government will make automatic annual adjustments.

Councillors receive the equivalent to the superannuation guarantee. This is also in addition to the allowance.

Councillors will receive reimbursements for any expenses made in performing their duties. Reimbursements follow the Councillor Allowance and Support Policy guides. An annual report to the community is also available.

 

Details of current allowances for the Mayor and Councillors as contained within the Council’s Annual Budget 2018/19.

The Victorian Government sets upper and lower limits for all allowances paid to Councillors and Mayors in Victoria. For the purpose of these allowance limits, councils are currently divided into three Categories based on the income and population of each Council.

Manningham City Council allowances for the Mayor and Councillors are included at the upper limit prescribed in the Order in Council for a category 2 council. The budget provides for the following allowances, including the 9.5% for payment in lieu of superannuation:

  • Mayor (including 9.5 per cent in lieu of 9.5% superannuation) = $88,918
  • Councillor (including 9.5 per cent in lieu of 9.5% superannuation) = $28,738

Downloads

  • Election Period Policy
    Election Period Policy
    130.58 KB
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  • Councillor Allowance and Support Policy
    Councillor Allowance and Support Policy
    432.65 KB
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  • Candidate Election Campaign Donations Return 2016
    Candidate Election Campaign Donations Return 2016
    44.92 KB
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  • Councillor Code of Conduct
    Councillor Code of Conduct
    1.48 MB
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