[Greens-Media] Major parties refuse to debate reducing MPs pay

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 28 June 2007

Major parties refuse to debate reducing MPs pay

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon says the failure of the major parties to agree to debate whether to restrict the 6.7 percent wage rise for NSW MPs due in July is an insult to working people.

The Greens NSW position is that MPs' salaries and allowances should be pegged to the CPI of the previous year. Today Labor and Coalition MPs voted together to stop debate on restricting the latest MPs' pay rise.

"In debate Labor used the tired old line that the Parliamentary Remuneration Tribunal is independent and MPs are merely stuck with accepting the rise," Ms Rhiannon said.

"This is absolute tripe and Premier Steve Bracks has shown this to be so. 

"With Parliament rising today for the long winter break, this was the last opportunity to reject the pay hike due in July.

"Putting a stopper on excessive wage increases for NSW MPs is important to dispel the idea that greed and lack of principle are the main motivators of politicians.

"NSW MPs can rightly be tagged hypocrites for pocketing a pay rise while standing motionless in the face of Treasurer Costa putting the brakes on wage increases for public sector workers.

"MPs should not accept excessive pay increases that are out of whack with the rest of the community.

"Premier Iemma should follow Premier Bracks and reject the full wage increase that will flow as a result of the federal Parliamentary Remuneration Tribunal's recent determination.

"Action is needed to restore the damage to the collective reputation of MPs that will flow from accepting a pay increase of 6.7 per cent, while public sector workers have their pay rise limited by Treasurer Costa to 2.5 per cent. 

"The wage rises pocketed year after year by NSW MPs are unjustifiable. The public deserves a full and proper explanation from the major parties as to why they believe these rises are appropriate or deserved," Ms Rhiannon said.

Contact: 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