Allowances: South Australia

Local government representatives are no longer able to set their own allowances in South Australia, ABC News reports.  From 15 January, allowances will be set by an independent tribunal.  SA Local Government Minister Gail Gago says the Remuneration Tribunal will make its decisions after consultation.  "The tribunal will take into consideration the size, population and revenue of the council, as well as any relevant economic, social, demographic and regional factors," she said.  "At least one public hearing is required by the tribunal before it sets allowances."

This is in contrast to NSW, where the Daily Telegraph reports that Councils have frittered away millions of ratepayer dollars on themselves - spending up on junkets, Blackberries and souvenirs.  Council expenses are now so out of control they are, in some cases, nearly double councillors' pays.  Clover Moore's Sydney City Council amassed $598,595 of expenses - almost twice its councillor wage bill of $309,260.