Explanatory note

This Supplementary Order Paper retains a new requirement for local authorities to publish the number and remuneration levels of senior employees in their annual reports but ensures that the remuneration levels align with the requirements for—

• members, committee members, and employees of Crown entities (required to be disclosed under section 152(1)(d), Crown Entities Act 2004); and

• employees and former employees of companies (required to be disclosed in annual reports of companies, pursuant to section 211 of the Companies Act 1993).

As a result, the minimum remuneration level for this purpose would be increased from $60,000 to $100,000 and would show the number of employees in bands of $10,000. There would be no requirement to disclose the number of employees receiving total annual remuneration of less than $60,000.

This Supplementary Order Paper helps to achieve an appropriate level of transparency in local government finances while ensuring that employees at the mid to lower levels are not disadvantaged compared with employees working in Crown entities or companies. There is no basis for departing from the disclosure standard set in the Crown Entities Act 2004 and the Companies Act 1993.