Town of Victoria Park councillors voted unanimously on 19 November 2024 to proceed with superannuation contributions for elected members, with the resolution taking effect on 13 December 2024. The mayor argued the benefit recognised councillors’ workload and was a matter of fairness; the administration had recommended against proceeding at that time, questioning whether the expenditure would provide public value.
What did Victoria Park council decide?
The council resolved to become an eligible governing body under Division 446 of the Commonwealth Taxation Administration Act, effective 13 December 2024. The minutes record the motion as carried 8–0. The resolution also stated that the Town would remain liable for any fringe benefits tax (FBT) payable.
This was the route the council used in November 2024. Western Australia later established a separate statutory framework for council-member superannuation, so the 2024 process should not be mistaken for the only route available today.
Why did councillors support the proposal?
Mayor Karen Vernon framed superannuation as recognition of the time and work involved in serving as an elected member, and as an issue of fairness and equity. She also argued that elected members in other jurisdictions and some appointed statutory roles received superannuation; that was her stated comparison, not a comprehensive survey of other jurisdictions.
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Cr Claire Anderson supported the motion and described superannuation as a “standard entitlement,” according to the contemporaneous account.
What did the Town budget, and what does that figure tell ratepayers?
The council minutes say the adopted 2024–25 budget included a $38,000 allocation for elected-member superannuation. The report estimated future allocations of approximately $38,000 a year if the proposal proceeded. These are budget figures and estimates, not proof of how much the Town actually paid.
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The administration had recommended that the Town not proceed at that time. Its report said: “It is unclear whether using the Town’s financial resources for superannuation for Elected Members will provide public value.” The available Town-specific records cited here do not establish the current contribution total or which individual councillors receive contributions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How has the WA framework changed since the 2024 vote?
Sections 5.99B to 5.99E of the Local Government Act 1995 commenced on 1 February 2025, creating a statutory framework for local-government superannuation contributions. The Western Australian Government’s fact sheet, first published 31 January 2025 and updated 18 June 2026, describes these rules:
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| Local government class | Contribution rule | Decision threshold and member choice |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 and 2 | Contributions mandatory from 19 October 2025. | Individual members may opt out. |
| Class 3 and 4 | Contributions remain optional. | A local government may resolve by absolute majority to make contributions; individual members may opt out. |
The fact sheet also gives a 12% superannuation guarantee rate from 1 July 2025. That is the general contribution rate, not a verified calculation of the Town of Victoria Park’s total cost. The fact sheet should be consulted for class-specific applicability and other detailed rules.
Quick Recap
What is established—and what is not?
- Established: the council’s 19 November 2024 resolution was unanimous, specified an effective date of 13 December 2024, and retained the Town’s liability for any FBT payable.
- Established: the 2024–25 budget included a $38,000 allocation, with approximately $38,000 in annual future allocations estimated if the proposal continued.
- Not established by the cited Town-specific records: the Town’s current contribution total, the amount paid to any individual councillor, or whether a particular councillor has opted out.
- Not established: that councillor superannuation has improved recruitment or diversity. Fairness and recognition were the arguments stated in support of the proposal, not measured outcomes in these records.
Sources
- Town of Victoria Park council minutes, 19 November 2024 (decision, vote, effective date, budget estimate and tax implications).
- Government of Western Australia, “Superannuation for council members” (fact sheet first published 31 January 2025 and updated 18 June 2026).
- PerthNow, Justin Bianchini, 20 November 2024 (attributed statements by the mayor and Cr Anderson).
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