Getting involved with your local council is a great way to make a difference in the community. Anyone can be a Councillor if they’re:
- an Australian citizen
- an eligible British subject
- enrolled to vote in Manningham.
Being a Councillor isn’t a full-time job. Councillors do have to go to meetings and briefing sessions held out of normal business hours. They’re also required to attend committees or serve on external committees as a representative.
The duties of a Councillor
The definition of a Councillor in the Local Government Act 2020 is a person who:
- participates in the decision making of the Council
- represents the interests of the municipal community in that decision making.
Councillors also contribute to strategic decision. They help develop and review key strategic documents and the Council Plan.
A Councillor must put the interests of their community first
A Councillor must:
- consider the diversity of interests and needs of the community
- support the role of the Council
- acknowledge and support the role of the Mayor
- act lawfully and in accordance with the oath or affirmation of office
- act in accordance with the standards of conduct
- comply with Council procedures required for good governance.
Councillors don’t have the same duties or responsibilities as a Chief Executive Officer.
How much time is required to be a Councillor?
Being a Councillor is not a full-time job. Most Councillors are in full-time employment and perform their Councillor duties in their own time.
Councillors are required to:
- attend Council meetings and briefing sessions held out of normal business hours
- attend various Council committees
- serve on external committees as a Council representative.
Most, but not all of these meetings, are held after 6.00pm.
Do Councillors receive an allowance?
The Mayor and Councillors receive an allowance for performing their duties. The Victorian Government sets the levels for allowances paid to Councillors.
Current allowances
The Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal has responsibility for determining the level of allowances. The current yearly allowances, as of 18 December 2023, are:
- $130,390 for the Mayor
- $65,195 for the Deputy Mayor
- $39,390 for a Councillor.
View the most recent Allowance report.
Superannuation
There is also a requirement for an amount equivalent to the superannuation guarantee under Commonwealth taxation legislation (currently 9.5 per cent) to be paid in addition to the allowance.
Expenses
Councillors are entitled to be reimbursed for any necessary out-of-pocket expenses they incur whilst performing their duties. The Council Expenses Policy guides the reimbursement of Councillor Expenses.
Council reports annually to the community on their reimbursements.
More information
Learn more about being a Councillor by following the links below.