[Greens-Media] NSW pollies set for 6.7% salary increase while Costa docks public servants' pay

[Alison Orme]

Media Release - 20 June 2007

NSW pollies set for 6.7% salary increase while Costa docks public
servants' pay

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has called on NSW MPs to reject the full wage
increase that will flow to them as a result of the Parliamentary
Remuneration Tribunal's recent determination, particularly in light of
the 2.5 percent limitation Treasurer Michael Costa has placed on public
sector worker pay rises.

"It is hypocritical of Mr Costa to put the brakes on wage increases for
public sector workers while pocketing a pay increase well above the CPI
for himself and all NSW MPs," Ms Rhiannon said.

"This shows Treasurer Costa believes what's good for the goose is not
necessarily good for the gander.

"In question time today the NSW Minister for Industrial Relations John
Della Bosca refused to answer whether Labor MPs would accept the
increase.

"Ordinary workers have a right to feel angry that politicians in NSW
continue to accept pay rises that are well out of whack with the rest of
the community.

"The Greens NSW have for many years called for MPs salaries and
allowances to be pegged to the CPI of the previous year, which is the
nation's best indication of the affordability of goods and services.

"The major parties like to hide behind the mirage that the
Parliamentary Remuneration Tribunal is independent and MPs are helpless
to do anything except accept its determination.

"The reality is that MPs are law makers who are in an excellent
position to change the way their pay increases are determined. 
	
"Treasurer Costa demands that public sector workers demonstrate
productivity gains before pay increases above 2.5 percent will be
granted. 

"If ordinary workers were eligible to sit on a panel to determine Mr
Costa's salary based on productivity the Treasurer's take home pay could
well be different," Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information:  Lee Rhiannon – 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au