South-east Queensland chief executives earn more than mayors, premier
Every council CEO in south-east Queensland is paid more than democratically elected mayors, and many earn bigger salaries than the premier.
At least six top executives in the district earn more than $500,000. Prime Minister David Crisafulli’s most recent salary increase in the middle of last year took his pay to $476,323.
Adrian Schrinner was the highest-paid mayor with an annual income of $300,280. Brisbane City Council chief executive Kerrie Freeman earned nearly double that, with a salary of $600,000 to $699,000, according to the latest annual report.
Senior managers, or chief executives, are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of councils, enforcing the policies of elected representatives and managing large numbers of staff.
Freeman previously worked in a variety of academic roles and positions with the Queensland and South Australian governments.
“If you want to get the best people, there is a competitive market and that’s where we operate,” Lord Mayor Schrinner told this imprint on Thursday.
While Adrian Schrinner is the highest-paid mayor, his annual income of $300,280 is dwarfed by that of the Brisbane City Council CEO. Credit: Fairfax Media
“Kerrie Freeman is absolutely fantastic, she does a fantastic job and I know she is focused on giving value for taxpayers money and she is doing that.
“I inherited this situation where the CEO is paid much more than the mayor. As long as we get results, that’s fine – as long as we get the taxpayers’ money’s worth – and that’s exactly what’s happening.”
