'Disgraceful': Several council executives across Victoria earn eye-watering salaries

Several council executives across Victoria are earning similar salaries to Premier Daniel Andrews, with one recently receiving more than half a million dollars.

It's led to calls for an overhaul of the system, with some residents in the council areas calling it "disgraceful".

A Hume City Council director, who recently left the organisation, received the highest pay of $550,000.

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The income was boosted by unused employee benefits including accrued annual and long service leave on top of a large annual salary.

The council, in Melbourne's north-west, covers the suburb of Broadmeadows, where the average household income is less than $60,000 a year.

Resident Jason Barden, who has lived in the suburb for five years, said the hefty pay packets could be used to help the community.

"I think it's wrong," he told 9News.

"Council need to listen to the community and act from there. It's ridiculous and I don't understand it.

"Everything needs improving and the money is there, it's just not being spent wisely enough."

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According to Council Watch data, the highest paid council executives include Casey, Boroondara and Monash, ranging from $480,000-$490,000.

For comparison, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earns $564,300, while Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews earns $481,190.

Council Watch is calling for executive salaries to be set by an external body and aligned to public performance goals.

"Councils are paid extraordinary amount of salaries and that's not tied with performance," Council Watch vice president Dean Hurlston said.

"Something has to change. [It's] completely unacceptable."

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