South-East Queensland CEOs Outearn Mayors, Premier
Queensland Council CEO Salaries Outpace Mayors and Premier
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Council chief executives in southeast Queensland consistently earn more than thier elected mayors, with several exceeding the salary of Queensland Premier David Crisafulli. As of January 9,2026,at least six CEOs in the region earn over $500,000 annually,while Premier Crisafulli’s salary is $476,323.
Salary Disparities in Brisbane City Council
Adrian Schrinner,the Lord Mayor of Brisbane,earns $300,280 per year.In contrast, Kerrie Freeman, the Brisbane City Council’s chief executive, earns between $600,000 and $699,000, approximately double the mayor’s income, according to the council’s most recent annual report.
Role of Council CEOs
Chief executives and general managers are responsible for the daily operations of councils, implementing policies set by elected officials, and overseeing a large workforce. Kerrie Freeman previously held positions in academia and goverment in Queensland and South Australia.
Justification for Higher CEO Salaries
Lord mayor Schrinner defended the higher salaries,stating,”If you want to get the best people,obviously there’s a competitive market out there,and we operate in that situation.” He emphasized that Freeman delivers value for ratepayers’ money and that the current salary structure is acceptable as long as results are achieved.
Opposition Concerns
Labor Opposition Leader jared Cassidy expressed concern over the disparity, stating that residents may question whether they are receiving adequate value for their money, especially given rising rates and potential service cuts. Brisbane City Council employs over 7,000 people and manages an annual budget exceeding $4 billion.
Queensland councillors’ pay is determined by independent commissions.
Queensland Council CEOs Earn More Than Mayors, Even the Premier
Chief executives at several Queensland councils are earning considerably more than their elected mayors – and in certain specific cases, exceeding the salary of the state’s premier, David Crisafulli.
CEO Salaries in South-East Queensland
At least six chief executives in south-east Queensland earn over $500,000 annually. As of late 2025, Premier Crisafulli’s salary was $476,323, following a pay rise in the middle of the year. Brisbane City Council’s CEO, kerrie Freeman, earns between $600,000 and $699,000, roughly double the $300,280 earned by Mayor Adrian Schrinner.
Role of Council CEOs
Chief executives and general managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of councils, implementing policies set by elected representatives, and overseeing a large workforce. According to the Brisbane city Council website, the CEO manages a workforce of over 7,000 employees and an annual budget exceeding $4 billion. Brisbane City Council
Justification for Higher CEO Pay
Lord Mayor Schrinner defended the disparity in pay, stating that attracting top talent requires competitive salaries and that Freeman delivers value for ratepayers. “Kerrie Freeman is absolutely fantastic. She’s doing an amazing job, and I know that she is focused on delivering value for ratepayers’ money, and she does that,” schrinner said on Thursday.
Opposition Concerns
Queensland Labor Opposition Leader Jared cassidy questioned the value for money residents receive, particularly given rising rates and potential service cuts. He stated that residents will question the high salaries of council bureaucrats when facing financial hardship.
Councilor Pay Determination
Pay for Queensland councillors is determined by independent commissions, ensuring a degree of impartiality in setting remuneration levels. Information regarding these commissions and their processes can be found on the Queensland Government website. Queensland government