'A strong message': why these Hunter councillors froze their pay

Cessnock councillors have voted to freeze their pay until the next election.

Cessnock City Councillor Quintin King has successfully moved a motion to freeze councillor pay at 2024/2025 levels for the remainder of the current council term.

It comes as the council seeks a rate rise above the statewide limit by applying to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

Cr King said the pay freeze was about delivering a strong message of financial responsibility and community-first leadership, noting that it followed a similar vote last year.

"I would hope that everyone would agree that what we discussed last year is still relevant regarding our financial position" he said during the meeting.

Councillor Mitchell Hill asked Cr King if he would support councillor renumeration being scaled back to the minimum of $16,420.

Cr King said he would "go for zero" if they were allowed to but he didn't believe he had to support of the council to put the minimum through as a motion.

Cr Hill asked if that would be a detriment to the councillors and the time they put into the role.

"Not at all," Cr King responded.

"I think it is a matter of principle, we can't ask our rate payers for a 40 per cent increase for no extra value but we ask for a pay increase every year."

Councillor Susanne Dixon said that while councillors put a lot of time and incur some expense involved in their position, she supported a freeze.

"I'm happy to have a freeze. We can't expect ratepayers, and I am one as well, to be forking out more and then giving ourselves a raise," she said.

"We do deserve some money and I feel what we get at the moment is satisfactory."

Cr Hill was the sole vote against the motion, which passed at this week's meeting.

Cr King said the decision reflects the economic pressures currently being faced by local families, businesses and ratepayers across the Cessnock local government area.

"At a time when many households are dealing with rising living costs, it is important that elected representatives demonstrate restraint and lead by example," Cr King said.

"This decision shows that council understands the financial challenges facing our community and is committed to putting residents first."

Earlier this month, the council appointed Natalia Cowley as its new general manager.

Ms Cowley led one of the largest financial recoveries in NSW local government history at Central Coast Council, and has led multiple councils as they returned to surplus

Last year, the council voted to suspend all non-legislated net zero expenditure to reduce the financial pressure on the council.

This was overturned at the beginning of 2026.

In April this year, IPART revealed more than 1200 responses were submitted regarding the council's proposed 39.9 per cent rate rise.

Cr King said his motion was about reinforcing public confidence and ensuring council remains focused on responsible financial management.

"Freezing councillor fees will not solve every financial challenge, but it sends a clear message that we are prepared to share in the responsibility and make sensible decisions on behalf of the community," he said.

Mayor Daniel Watton said during discussion of the motion that an increase could be weighed in future when finances are sustainable.

"The point is we are trying to stand in solidarity and do the right thing," he said.

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