Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell in Bendigo today. Picture: Jodie Donnellan
THERE’S still more work to do before a council superannuation shortfall is fixed, according to City of Greater Bendigo chief executive Craig Niemann and mayor Lisa Ruffell.
Council staff met with Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell about the $10 million issue this morning.
Mr Niemann said it had been a positive meeting.
“She’s clearly aware that this is a big issue for local governments in Victoria and we’re trying to make sure that we’re taking action now, otherwise this liability might come for the next 50 years,” he said.
“She certainly listened to everything council had to say.”
Cr Ruffell said the council would continue to push for changes to the superannuation scheme, which requires a council top up if it under performs.
“We’ve got to push on with this,” she said.
“We can’t let this die because it’s the money component that is going to affect all the communities.
“It’s a big concern.”
In December Cr Ruffell met with Federal Minister for Workplace Relations, Financial Services and Superannuation Bill Shorten and described his answers as "disappointing".
“The federal government doesn’t employ local council senior executives, local council employs local council senior executives,” Mr Shorten said.
“Local council have made decisions about giving pay rises, then you’ve got to understand when you give that pay rise, that obviously has a flow-on effect to the retirement wages of senior council executives."
Cr Ruffell said all levels of government needed to work together for a good outcome.
“I’m all about solving it and moving on. If you want to go back, you can go way back, but I want to ensure federal, state and local government can get this solved because it’s going to hurt our community and our ratepayers.”
