South-east Queensland chief executives earn more than mayors, premier
Every council CEO in south-east Queensland is paid more than their democratically elected mayors – and many are on bigger pay packets than the premier.
At least six chief executives in the region earn more than $500,000. Premier David Crisafulli’s most recent pay rise, in the middle of last year, took his remuneration to $476,323.
Adrian Schrinner is the highest-paid mayor, with an annual income of $300,280. His Brisbane City Council chief executive, Kerrie Freeman, made about twice that, with a salary between $600,000 and $699,000, according to the most recent annual report.
Chief executives or general managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of councils, enacting the policies of elected representatives, and managing large numbers of staff.
Freeman previously worked in various academic roles and positions across the Queensland and South Australian governments.
“If you want to get the best people, obviously there’s a competitive market out there, and we operate in that situation,” Lord Mayor Schrinner told this masthead on Thursday.
While Adrian Schrinner is the best-paid mayor, his annual income of $300,280 is dwarfed by that of Brisbane City Council’s CEO. Credit: Fairfax Media
“Kerrie Freeman is absolutely fantastic. She’s doing an amazing job, and I know that she is focused on delivering value for ratepayers’ money, and she does that.
“I’ve inherited this situation … where the CEO gets paid significantly more than the lord mayor. That’s OK as long as we get results – as long as we get value for ratepayers’ money – and that is exactly what’s happening.”
