Fresh data has laid bare the substantial salaries commanded by the chief executives of some of Geelong's most prominent organisations, revealing a significant pay gap between the city's top bosses.
Who Tops the Geelong Salary List?
The figures, sourced from the latest annual reports, show that Michele Lewis, the CEO of Barwon Health, remains the region's highest-paid executive. Her total remuneration for the 2022-23 financial year reached $629,935. This package includes her base salary, superannuation, and other potential benefits, solidifying her position at the pinnacle of Geelong's public sector pay scale.
Not far behind in the public sector was Martin Cutter, the managing director of the Geelong Port. His reported earnings for the same period totalled $596,000. These two public figures lead the pack in terms of disclosed executive compensation within the region.
Private Sector Leaders and Council Chiefs
In the private sector, the data highlights the pay of Brett Smith, the managing director of the Geelong Football Club. Smith's total remuneration was reported at $473,654. Meanwhile, Peter Dorling, the CEO of the Committee for Geelong, received a package worth $273,344.
The disclosure also covers local government, where City of Greater Geelong CEO Ali Wastie received a total of $446,843. This figure reflects the complex responsibilities of managing one of Victoria's largest regional municipalities.
Transparency and Community Expectations
The publication of these pay packets offers a rare glimpse into the upper echelons of Geelong's corporate and public service remuneration. It sparks ongoing conversations about executive pay, transparency, and the alignment of salaries with organisational performance and community expectations.
While these figures represent total remuneration packages, they provide a clear benchmark for understanding the financial rewards associated with leading Geelong's key institutions. The data underscores the significant investment these organisations make in their top leadership roles.
This financial snapshot allows the Geelong community to see exactly where the money goes at the highest levels of local management, fostering a greater understanding of the region's economic and administrative landscape.
