GG 66/11
15 December 2011
Today’s release of reports by the Remuneration Tribunal into the salaries of Australia’s most senior public service executives marks the end of a four year process, Special Minister of State Gary Gray said today.
The review, which was initiated in June 2007 by the Howard Government, was an extended look at the responsibilities and remuneration of the most senior public servants in the land, to establish an appropriate remuneration base.
“The Remuneration Tribunal has found that Australia’s public service leaders have responsibilities and accountabilities well beyond those of many private sector CEOs, who are sometimes paid 10, 15 or 20 times more even though they often run smaller, less complex organisations,” Mr Gray said.
“While comparing the workload and responsibilities of public service leaders to private sector CEOs, I’m relieved the tribunal has not thought it appropriate to adopt private sector remuneration levels.
“Department secretaries have been awarded a substantial pay rise. Secretaries’ remuneration has not been systematically reviewed since 1999 and it will be passed on in six-monthly increments over the next three years, not in one hit.
“It’s also worth remembering that a department secretary can be terminated by the Prime Minister at any time under Section 59 of the Public Service Act 1999. There are no performance bonuses, incentives or other payments that a private sector CEO might receive.”
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