Councillors voted to endorse a response to a call for superannuation payments at the ordinary meeting of Wingecarribee Shire Council on July 22.
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In March 2020, the Office of Local Government released a discussion paper in relation to superannuation payments for councillors.
A draft response to the paper was submitted for endorsement to councillors.
The proposed endorsement was for option three which was to amend the NSW Local Government Act to require councils to pay an amount equivalent to the superannuation guarantee into a complying superannuation fund nominated by the mayor and councillors in addition to the payment of the mayor's and councillors' fees.
The payment would be made in addition to the payment of the mayor's and councillors' fees.
Councillor Ken Halstead said he was opposed to the endorsement.
"I don't see it as a necessary component," he said.
"For me, it's all about service to the community."
Councillor Graham McLaughlin said that he was in favour of the endorsement.
"It's okay for us retired gentlemen to sit around and probably have their superannuation all organised," he said.
"But just think for a while about the young people who are of working age, especially women who we know retire with a lot less money than males of the same age.
"All other levels of government get superannuation.
"How do we encourage other people, especially women to put their hand up and sacrifice time, child care and the whole bit to be on council?
"It's not about the money but surely they shouldn't be penalised by coming on council. I think we've got to realise that this is something that needs to be supported."
Councillor Ian Scandrett said he would also oppose the endorsement.
"Essentially you volunteer for this role, the way it is structured at the moment," he said.
"I don't believe that a small amount of superannuation is going to tempt a four year commitment to serve.
"That commitment has to come from within, not from within the pocket."
Councillors McLaughlin, Duncan Gair, Peter Nelson, Larry Whiper and Grahame Andrews voted to endorse the superannuation report.
Councillors Halstead, Scandrett and Garry Turland voted against it.