[Greens-Media] PARNELL: MPs Super Outrage

[Parnell]

Media Release
Thursday 16th September 2010


MPs Super Outrage
- plan to rush through increase under cover of budget


The Greens have warned both the Government and Opposition not to try and rush through Parliament today, under cover of the state budget, a Bill to increase MPs superannuation from 9% to 15.4%.

The controversial Bill, the Statutes Amendment (Members' Benefits) Bill 2010   was passed yesterday by the Lower House with support from both Labor and Liberal and introduced into the Upper House last night.  The Government has indicated it wants the Bill debated and passed today.  Normally Parliament is given at least a week (and often much longer) to consult and consider amendments.

"This is simply outrageous.  Why is there such a rush to pass this Bill in less than 24 hours?" asked Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

"The public have a right to be upset if MPs are trying to rush through an increase in their entitlements while the rest of the state is sweating on the results of a harsh State Budget.

"If Labor & Liberal force this Bill through tomorrow, it means that while Treasurer Foley is on his feet delivering the State Budget, and all eyes are focused on what public services will be cut, the Parliament will be giving itself a taxpayer-funded super increase.

"The Greens strongly oppose this Bill because we believe MPs should get the same super as the rest of the community (currently 9%).

"Surely, if the state finances are as bad as the Treasurer says they are, then now is not the time to consider giving more money to MPs.

"And to force it through before the community gets to consider the full extent of the budget is cynical in the extreme," he said.




For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893




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