Stipends
Stipends
The historical and traditional understanding of ordained ministry serving God and the Church, is that ordained ministers do not need to be engaged in paid employment for a living but are provided a stipend and allowances provided by the Church, to free their time necessary for ministry.
Diocesan Council is responsible for planning and policy necessary for, associated with, or in relation to, stipends, allowances and associated matters for clergy.
The minimum stipend payable to clergy in full-time ministry in the Diocese is reviewed annually by the Diocesan Council upon recommendation from the Provincial Stipends Committee. In making recommendations, the Provincial Stipends Committee considers stipend levels in other Dioceses in Australia, and various statistical data including the wages price index, average weekly wages, and the consumer price index. Changes in stipends are effective from 1 May each year
Arrangements for an assistant priest or curate, part time clergy and lay ministry workers are paid as a percentage of the minimum stipend. There are also variations for clergy who have not completed theological training.
The total package for clergy should be viewed in conjunction with Superannuation, Allowances and Salary Packaging provisions.