SA Council CEO’s are paid more every year, but a new report shows the rate of their rises is decreasing.

Council CEO salaries rose less than 3 per cent in 2014, even lower than in 2013 and lower than comparable State, Federal and private salaries.

The average increase in salary packages in the past year at 2.75 per cent, compared to an average increase of 3.17 per cent.

The full salary survey is accessible here. 

The Local Government Association of South Australia says that while council CEO salary information is publicly accessible in a register at every Council - it is also gathered by the LGA to assist in making comparisons with interstate Council CEOs, CEOs in the not for profit sector and State Government.

“Councils manage community infrastructure valued at more than $20 billion across SA, a combined annual expenditure of about $2 billion and more than 10,000 staff,” LGA President, Mayor David O'Loughlin said.

“Councils take appropriate steps, engaging independent advice, when setting salaries to ensure they are kept at levels appropriate to attract and maintain the expertise required.

“Councils are highly conscious of both the cost of executive salaries, and the higher costs that can arise if public resources are not managed effectively.”

“When recruiting for the top position Councils have to compete on the open market. Pay levels for similar size organisations, in the private sector and other governments, influence Council CEO salaries.

“The average Council CEO salary in South Australia falls well behind interstate CEO salary packages and those of State Government Business entities and the not for profit sector,” Mayor O'Loughlin said.