NSW local government councillors cannot afford to quit their day jobs

September 13, 2026 — 5:00am

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Local government councillor may be one of the worst-paid jobs in NSW. The lowest level of authority, local government, the tier closest to the people, used to be mainly concerned with roads, rates and rubbish but now delivers economic development and environmental protection, while expanding community services encompass social, recreational and cultural services.

As the business of local government has become far more complex, council officers’ salaries have grown to reflect the new responsibilities; elected councillors still do it pretty much for a pittance.

Mayors and councillors at the state’s 128 local councils are not paid full-time wages but receive fees determined by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.........

© The Sydney Morning Herald