IT MAY not be a popular view, but one of the most important things Katherine Town Council needs to make an allowance for as it prepares its 2015-16 budget is an increase to the remuneration of its elected members.
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How much those elected to represent us are paid is one of the most contentious aspects of any budget, but the reality is that underpaying our public leaders is detrimental to strong governance and will cost the community in the long run.
Currently, Katherine’s aldermen receive a paltry annual allowance of $15,215 - more than 35 per cent less than what they are entitled to under Northern Territory legislation.
The mayor fares marginally better, but is still paid about 12 per cent under the maximum amount.
How are we expected to attract Katherine’s best and brightest to represent us if they will be offered peanuts in return for their commitment and expertise?
The critical role councils play in the economic and social growth of the Territory is undervalued.
From July 1, elected members of Queensland councils similar in size to ours will receive a maximum allowance of $48,842 – more than 50 per cent more than their NT counterparts.
While it could be successfully argued that certain members of our council are not doing enough to justify their current remuneration, the organisation needs to adopt a forward-thinking approach by boosting allowances in the next two budgets to attract a second-to-none field of candidates when Katherinites vote in August 2017.
When it comes to cutting costs in council budgets, taking the knife to the remuneration of those we are trusting to represent our best interests will never pay a long-term dividend.