Councillor expenses
About
- Councillors are entitled, under section 40 of the Local Government Act 2020, to seek reimbursement for expenses reasonably incurred in the performance of their duties.
- We support workplace equity, where all councillors are able to participate and perform in their role equally. As such, and in line with the Councillors Expense Policy, reimbursements may be sought for carer and childcare needs to ensure councillors can undertake their official duties as elected representatives.
- We also support the professional development of councillors during their time in office, including an allowance for professional development as part of the Councillor Expense Policy.
Annual Councillor allowance
Under the Local Government Act 2020, the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal is responsible for setting allowances for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors.The Tribunal has classified each Council into one of four Council allowance categories, and Cardinia Shire Council has been classified as a Category 3 Council.
The allowance for Councillors from 1 July 2024 is:
- Councillor allowance $40,769
The allowance for Mayor and Deputy Mayor from 1 December 2024 is:
- Mayor allowance $138,506
- Deputy Mayor allowance $69,252
The Determination and Statement of Reasons, which contain the new allowance values are available on the Tribunal’s website
Travel expense claim rates
- All vehicles at a flat rate of 88 cents per kilometre
These rates were provided by the ATO for 2024/25