Integrated Planning and Reporting Manual - Division of Local ...

6. THE ANNUAL REPORT
Details of mayoral and councillor fees, expenses and facilities
Residents have a right to know about the community resources that are allocated to their elected
representatives to help them carry out their civic role.
The requirements for reporting on these matters remain unchanged and are detailed in the
Regulation. Similarly, the requirements to report on overseas trips by councillors and staff remain
unchanged.
Senior staff salaries
There is a change to these reporting requirements. Previously, councils had to report on the salary
package of each individual who met the definition of senior staff (see Section 332 of the Act). Under
the new requirements, councils must report specifically on the salary package of the General
Manager, as set out in the Regulation, but the remuneration for other senior staff may be reported
as a group.
It is important to note that the technical definition of senior staff in the Act may differ from each
council’s definition of a senior staff member. Councils are only required to report on members who
meet the definition in the Act. However, in the interests of transparency, councils may choose to
report on the salary packages of everyone at Director level, even if they earn less than the amount
specified in the Act.
Stormwater levies
Where Council has introduced a stormwater levy, the requirements for reporting remain unchanged.
Where residents have paid an extra amount for a specific activity, it is reasonable to expect some
details on how that money was spent. Councils may wish to include this information in Section One
of the report if it fits in better with reporting on Delivery Program strategies.
Companion animals
The requirements for reporting on companion animals remain unchanged. This is an area of
particular interest for residents and it is important to ensure they have adequate information about
the activities and programs undertaken. Council may wish to include this information in Section One
of its report if it is relevant to one of the Delivery Program strategies.
Financial statements
Councils must include a copy of their audited financial reports prepared in accordance with the
Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting. Providing full financial
reports is standard practice for large organisations and companies. Council has a responsibility to
demonstrate to the community that its finances are being managed in a professional manner to the
standards required.
Equal Employment Opportunity Management Plan
The requirement to report on Equal Employment Opportunity management plans remains
unchanged. This requirement is particularly relevant to the workforce planning component of the
Resourcing Strategy.
Planning & Reporting Manual Page 114 of 115