Government hides Vic MP's pay hike cost

VICTORIAN politicians are planning to award themselves pay rises of up to 15 per cent with no public consultation, in stark contrast to the long and bitter pay fights waged by the state's teachers, nurses and police. 

 
On top of the pay and superannuation windfall, departing MPs who have served multiple terms will receive a golden handshake worth at least $70,000.

Those who have served one term will be gifted at least $35,000.

Politicians elected after 2004 will enjoy superannuation of 15 per cent, which is a lot more than most workers' nine per cent entitlement.

Politicians elected before 2004 will remain on the generous "defined benefits" scheme.

Taxpayers won't know how much the politicians' pay decision will cost because Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips refused to reveal the figure.

The changes mean a Victorian backbenchers' salary package will exceed $150,000.

Deputy Liberal leader Louise Asher told parliament the legislation was necessary to prevent Victorian MPs receiving annual pay rises of close to $50,000, in line with rises for federal politicians.

"The government regarded this prospect as totally untenable," she said.

Ms Asher described expense allowances - ranging from eight per cent for a backbencher and up to 15 per cent for a shadow minister - as small.

There will be no oversight of how politicians spend their allowances apart from Australian Taxation Office rules.

Mr Rich-Phillips repeatedly refused to answer questions from journalists about how much the changes will cost.

"The reality is any change to members of parliament remuneration, salaries, is never going to be well received in the community," he said.

Both government and opposition MPs were consulted about the legislation.

An opposition spokesman released a statement saying Labor would consider the legislation and take the matter to shadow cabinet.

MPs will give up some existing entitlements, such as free parking at Melbourne Airport and free entry to Melbourne Zoo, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and other Crown land.

Ambulance Employees Association state secretary Steve McGhie said it was disappointing there was one standard for politicians and another for public sector workers.

"It's almost a slap in the face for my members," he said.

"We're right in the middle of bargaining and we've been negotiating for eight months and we haven't seen any greater offers than 2.5 per cent."

Community and Public Sector Union spokesman Robert Laird said the government had been extremely tough on wage negotiations with public sector workers but was now giving itself an inflated pay rise.

news.com.au 9 May 2013

Australia is an over governed country, to the financial detriment of the masses.

What is purely a money for mates deal that is out of touch with the real world.

This is another classic example of the masonic brotherhood in action, looking after its brethren, with total disregard of the herd population.

NB:

news.com.au published the original article under the headline: Government hides Vic MP's pay hike cost, which has changed now to: Vic MPs eyeing a big payrise, which can make it more difficult to find the article.