'Fat cat' wages explained
AS ELECTION candidates shout their platform policies from the Southern Downs rooftops, the issue of council fat cat wages continues cause debate.
With promises of capping and cutting being banded around the Daily News decided to touch base with Southern Downs Regional Council CEO Rod Ferguson to find out on what basis his $200,000 - 250,000 salary is decided.
According to Mr Ferguson executive salaries are recommended to council by an independent firm which compares other local authorities, public service and private enterprise to establish a pay scale.
"Work value points are determined and mathematically derived points charts are used to assign numerical values to each position," Mr Ferguson said.
"It is recognised that local government generally pays in the lower 25% of the general labour market for executive staff.
"The remuneration figure is an all inclusive figure involving salary, superannuation, leave loading and vehicle if provided."
Council then considers the information and to date has paid within the sliding scale recommended. The figure is reviewed annually with a major review where roles have changed.
