Councillor expenses

In addition to the payment of an allowance, the Local Government Act 2020 requires that the mayor and councillors be reimbursed for expenses including travel, conferences and training, telephone and ICT.

The following tables of expenses is provided in accordance with the Local Government (Planning and Reporting) Regulations 2020 and the Councillor Expenses Policy. 

Travel expenses includes travel, accommodation and similar expenses incurred by the mayor and councillors when performing their duties as required. This includes local, interstate and international travel on behalf of Council. Representation of the mayor and councillors at local, national and international levels is an important part of developing, communicating and implementing Council policy. This also includes travel expenses related to attending meetings, representations, conferences and training.

Car mileage includes kilometres travelled and claimed by councillors in the performance of their role.

Information and communication includes the costs of purchase and network charges of telecommunication and technology provided to councillors, which may include mobile telephones, laptops and tablets. Network charges may vary from each councillor dependent on their usage. A number of councillors’ ICT devices were due for replacement and were replaced in 2018-19.

Childcare includes the cost of childcare expenses incurred by councillors for their immediate family necessary to undertake their role.

Conference and training includes the costs for attendance at accredited and non-accredited training run by training providers, peak bodies and related organisations and groups, courses, seminars, conferences and similar events, professional development, memberships and materials. All conferences and training must relate to the role and duties of councillor.