[Greens-Media] 6.7% MP pay rise 'unjustifiable' - Greens call to vote it down

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Tuesday, 19 June 2007

6.7% MP pay rise 'unjustifiable' - 
Greens call to vote it down

The 6.7% pay rise for federal members of parliament is unjustifiable and
should be overruled by parliament, Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.

"While 1.2 million pensioners have had no real increase in their meagre
$219 per week since Howard came to power, MPs are getting more than $150
a week on top of the $2000 per week already paid. On top of that MPs
qualify for the extra tax cuts for the rich in the Costello budget,"
Senator Brown said.

"The Prime Minister's rise would be more than $20,000 per annum,"
Senator Brown said.

Senator Brown called on Opposition Leader Rudd to reject the pay rise.

"Then it will only take one or two decent government Senators to cross
the floor and the move will be buried," Senator Brown said.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603

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Ebony Bennett
Media Adviser
Office of Greens Senator Bob Brown
Mobile: 0409 164 603
Ph: (02) 6277 3170
Fax: (02) 6277 3185
ebony.bennett at aph.gov.au