Key Takeaways
- The Remuneration Authority has introduced a reimbursement allowance to cover the installation and monitoring of a security system at a councillor’s primary place of residence due to increasing incidents of abuse, harassment, and threatening behavior.
- A childcare allowance of up to $7,500 per year is available for councillors with children under 14 years old, but eligibility criteria apply.
- Other allowances are available for councillors, including phone, internet, vehicle mileage, and travel expenses.
- The introduction of these allowances aims to ensure the safety and well-being of councillors and their families, while also supporting them in their public roles.
- The decision to adopt these allowances lies with each individual council, within the limits set by the Remuneration Authority.
Introduction to the Issue
The Remuneration Authority has recently introduced a new allowance to support the safety and security of local government councillors. This move comes in response to the increasing incidents of abuse, harassment, and threatening behavior faced by councillors while undertaking their public roles. According to the Authority’s website, many councillors have experienced significant incidents of abuse and harassment, which has raised concerns about their personal safety and the safety of their families. As a result, the Authority has introduced a reimbursement allowance to cover the installation and monitoring of a security system at a councillor’s primary place of residence.
The Security Allowance
The security allowance is based on a security threat and risk assessment, which is signed off by each council. This allowance aims to provide a consistent framework for councillors to ensure their safety and security, particularly in situations where they may be at risk. The introduction of this allowance is not intended to create new entitlements, but rather to provide a necessary support system for councillors who may be facing threats or intimidation. As stated by councillor Schollum, "This allowance is about ensuring a consistent framework is there if a genuine safety concern arose – not creating new entitlements." The eligibility criteria for this allowance are strict, and it is only available to councillors who have a genuine safety concern.
The Childcare Allowance
In addition to the security allowance, a childcare allowance is also available to councillors with children under 14 years old. This allowance is up to $7,500 per year per child and is intended to support councillors in their public roles. To be eligible for this allowance, councillors must be working on council business, be the parent or guardian of the child, or have day-to-day responsibility for the child. The allowance is not paid to a spouse, parent of the child, civil union partner, or de facto partner of the member or someone who lives with the child. The childcare allowance is an important support system for councillors who may struggle to balance their public roles with their family responsibilities.
Other Allowances
Other allowances are also available to councillors, including phone, internet, vehicle mileage, and travel expenses. These allowances are intended to support councillors in their public roles and to ensure that they are able to undertake their duties effectively. The decision to adopt these allowances lies with each individual council, within the limits set by the Remuneration Authority. According to Wairoa District Council chief executive Matt Lawson, "allowances are at each council’s discretion, within the limits set by the Remuneration Authority." This means that each council has the flexibility to decide which allowances to offer and how to implement them.
Implementation and Reaction
The introduction of these allowances has been met with a mixed reaction from councils. Some councils, such as Napier District Council, are planning to vote on the childcare allowance at their upcoming meeting, while others, such as Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, have stated that their councillors do not use the childcare allowance. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council councillors have discussed allowances briefly and adopted an updated policy allowing them to claim home security or childcare. The reaction to these allowances highlights the importance of flexibility and discretion in implementing these support systems.
The Broader Context
The introduction of these allowances comes at a time when there is increasing concern about the safety and well-being of public officials. Earlier this year, councillor Schollum spoke out about the threats she had received, including sexual violence, threats against her children, and attempts to scare her out of public life. Her experience highlights the need for a firm line to be drawn against intimidation and harassment. As she stated, "New Zealanders must draw a firm line. We do not accept intimidation as the price for public service." The introduction of these allowances is an important step in supporting public officials and ensuring that they can undertake their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the introduction of the security and childcare allowances is an important step in supporting the safety and well-being of local government councillors. These allowances aim to provide a consistent framework for councillors to ensure their safety and security, particularly in situations where they may be at risk. The decision to adopt these allowances lies with each individual council, within the limits set by the Remuneration Authority. As the Remuneration Authority continues to work through the criteria for these allowances, it is essential that councils prioritize the safety and well-being of their councillors and ensure that they have the necessary support systems in place to undertake their public roles effectively.
