Councillor Expense Entitlements Policy

At the Council meeting held on 29 June 2024, Council resolved to give public notice of the draft Councillor Expense Entitlements Policy and invite written submissions from the public in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s Community Engagement Policy.

A comprehensive Councillor expenses policy is one of the pillars of good governance for Hindmarsh Shire Council. It balances the need for rigorous process, value for money and efficiency in decision making to ensure Council continues to function in accordance with community expectations.

This Policy was first developed in November 2009, and last reviewed in August 2020.

Minor updates, clarifications and details have been added to this draft policy, including:

• Clarifying Councillor allowances and Councillor expenses;
• Strengthening all provision to ensure that they are reflective of the Local Government Act 2020;
• Inclusion of a pre-approved expense entitlement for interstate travel involved in representing Council at the National General Assembly of Local Government;
• Clarifying approval requirements for Council and the CEO when Councillors request expenses to be paid for seminars, workshops and professional development.
• Including a limitations note in the insurance section of the Policy;
• Including a reference to s43 of the Local Government Act 2020 that provides that indemnity would be provided in instances where the Councillor (past and current) has acted in good faith; and
• Including provisions for entitlements where the Councillor is a carer or where the Councillor has a disability.

Feedback must be provided by 5pm on Thursday 11 July 2024.

To provide feedback, complete the form below.

You can also provide feedback in writing via email to info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au, by post to PO Box 250, Nhill VIC 3418, or in person to any of Council's Libraries or Customer Service Centres.

Outcome of consultation:
This policy was adopted by Council at the Council Meeting held on 24 July 2024 with no changes.