GG 62/11
1 December 2011
Special Minister of State Gary Gray said today both sides of Parliament had agreed that the issue of politicians’ pay should be decided by the independent Remuneration Tribunal.
“Legislation was passed through Parliament earlier this year to ensure that politicians could not meddle with their own pay,” Mr Gray said.
“The issue is being determined independently by the Remuneration Tribunal, which is carrying out its own work value study.”
Mr Gray, whose responsibilities include the remuneration of MPs and their entitlements, said he expected the tribunal announcement within weeks.
“In truth, there’s been speculation for months about the likely outcome,” he said.
“The Government has also asked the Tribunal to consider reforms to other parliamentary entitlements such as the life Gold Pass, severance travel and overseas study travel.
“I don’t know what the Tribunal will say, but the Government referred the Gold Pass issue to the tribunal because it’s aware that people see it as an unjustified perk. I agree, but let’s wait for the Tribunal’s decision.”
The Tribunal is expected to hand down its determination in the next two to three weeks.
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