Hello,
Has spring actually sprung? It feels like it depends on the day at the moment. Let’s hope this is a good one!
Last night’s October Council meeting was relatively straightforward, with lots of items passed without debate and a big focus on finance. Here is what was decided.
Today’s newsletter is 691 words, a 5 minute read.
First: Councillors note pay rise submission
Council voted unanimously to note a submission made by staff to the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal regarding the Annual Review for 2027. The submission argues Wollongong and Newcastle belong in Parramatta’s pay category, or an equivalent one. It was passed in a block of multiple items, which means it was not debated at all.
The stakes: The amount that Councillors are paid is set in a salary band by the independent Government Remuneration Tribunal, based on a category system related to population, area, the density of population, and the nature of regional usage or tourism.
Councils then determine the specific pay from within that band. In May, Councillors voted unanimously to take the maximum fee for the rest of their term, so any increase from the Tribunal would be passed on at the maximum rate.
Worth knowing:
Councillors are paid $38,050 a year, and the Lord Mayor receives an extra $118,530, bringing the Lord Mayor’s total to $156,580.
At Parramatta’s 2026 maximum, councillors would earn $2,500 more each, and the Lord Mayor $14,960 more.
Across all 13 councillors, including the Lord Mayor, that would add up to $44,960 a year.
Second: AI workshop to be for councillors only
Council has backed Councillor Thomas Quinn’s (Labor) motion for a councillor workshop on how it could use artificial intelligence (AI), and the risks involved. An amendment to open the workshop to the public was voted down.
The stakes: Councillor Deidre Stuart’s (Greens) amendment would also have published council’s existing AI Use Management Policy online. Neither is part of the motion that passed.
Worth knowing:
The workshop will cover current and potential AI uses for council, along with privacy, cybersecurity and ethical risks.
It will also look at rules other councils and government agencies have adopted.
Councillors’ own obligations when using AI will be reviewed.
Zooming out: The move against opening the workshop to the public is interesting to consider. While Councillor Quinn’s position that it could put the council at risk from external bad actors has merit, private councillor workshops are themselves a contentious issue.
As discussed last edition, council received a submission around the updates to the council code of meeting practice from Neighbourhood Forum 5 that sought to open Council workshops up to the public in the name of transparency. A call which, so far, has gone unheeded.
Outside the meeting: $16 million funding cut halted
The NSW Local Government Grants Commission has dropped a new funding formula that would have cut Wollongong’s yearly grant by about $16 million, which we covered in a previous report.
The stakes: The Financial Assistance Grant, worth $23.8 million to council last financial year, can be spent however council chooses. Lord Mayor Tania Brown said the cut “would have posed an ongoing risk to this organisation’s financial sustainability.”
Worth knowing:
The Commission received 102 submissions from NSW councils, according to council.
Of those, 38 opposed the formula, 54 raised significant concerns or proposed changes, and only 10 supported it.
What’s ahead: Council has stated that it will keep pushing for the grants to be returned to 1% of Commonwealth tax revenue.
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That’s a wrap
As I said, relatively straightforward. But both the decision by the remuneration tribunal and what comes out of the AI workshop will be interesting to keep an eye on, and I will share what comes out of either when I can.
Until then, hit reply and send through any questions or comments you have.
Talk soon,
Liam
