NSW mayors and councillors could soon be paid superannuation if legislative changes proposed by the NSW government pass parliament.
A Bill introduced this week would allow councils to pay elected representatives superannuation payments from July 1, 2022.
Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock said the optional payment would address inequity and encourage greater participation in local government.
“We know that councillor remuneration is a significant factor in encouraging more people – particularly women and younger people – to serve on their local council; which is why we have worked with the sector to ensure these needs are met,” she said.
ALGA and Local Government NSW President Linda Scott said mayors and councillors deserved superannuation “in line with every other Australian employee”.
“For too long people considering running for elected office in local government have been unable to do so unless they were independently wealthy,” she said.
“This reform will enable more people to [run] … and is a welcome step forward.”