5.0 Remuneration
The members of some Government Boards are remunerated while others are not; it is often dependent on the role or function of the Board. For example, members of advisory Boards are often not remunerated. Similarly, public servants appointed to Government Boards generally do not receive additional remuneration for their service on the Board, unless specifically authorised.
Generally, remuneration for chairs and members of Boards is approved by a prescribed authority in the enabling legislation. For example:
...such fees and allowances as the Governor in
Council from time to time determines.
To comply with the requirements of the enabling legislation, the approval of the prescribed authority must be obtained for the initial determination of fees and allowances and on each and any subsequent occasion when the fees and allowances are adjusted for that Government Board.
The Department of Industrial Relations administers Cabinet approved procedures for the Remuneration of part-time Chairs and Members of Government Boards, Committees and Statutory Authorities (the procedures). These procedures provide guidance on appropriate remuneration for part-time chairs and members of Government Boards, committees, authorities, taskforces, councils and other similar bodies approved by legislation or other government approval processes. The procedures state that the remuneration for a particular body is to be determined on the basis of its major functions and influence, and the impact of its decisions and activities on Government, industry and the community.
Eight standardised categories contained in the procedures provide uniformity and clarity in the payment of daily fees and certain annual allowances for part-time chairs and members of Government Boards, committees and statutory authorities. The current rates for these categories are contained in an attachment to Public Sector Industrial and Employee Relations Circular 6/01, located on the internet at www.psier.qld.gov.au/policies/remunrates.shtml (external link)
Boards are allocated to particular categories on the basis of their major functions and the impact of their activities and decisions on Government, industry and the community. Chairs and members are paid either a daily fee or an annual allowance. Where it is anticipated that the work commitment of a Board member will be three or more days per fortnight annual allowances are paid. These allowances are based on the standardised categories and are calculated according to the actual and projected workload of the Chair and members using the maximum amounts prescribed for special assignments for the appropriate category.
Provision also exists for remuneration reviews of Government Boards; travelling expenses; superannuation; other benefits; casual vacancies and transitional arrangements and there is flexibility to vary the level of meeting fees 'in exceptional circumstances'.
The standardised categories are not applied to Boards, committees or statutory authorities exempted by Cabinet. These are dealt with on a case by case basis.
The fees contained in the procedures are maximum daily fees for each category. Ministers have the discretion to recommend the payment of lesser rates where meetings or special assignments are of short duration. This rate is based on the relevant proportion of the daily fees prescribed for the particular category. Total remuneration payments made to part-time chairs and members of Government Boards, committees and statutory authorities should be disclosed in annual reports (refer to section 10of this Guide).
Departments and agencies are required to monitor closely the activities of their boards, committees and statutory authorities to ensure that meeting hours and paid work are consistent with the objectives and functions of the particular board, committee or statutory authority and that such hours do not expand unnecessarily.
Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009
Last updated: 22 July, 2009
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