Independent Remuneration Tribunal Bill introduced

The salaries, allowances and entitlements of State MPs will be set by an independent tribunal under new laws introduced to Parliament today.

The creation of the Queensland Independent Remuneration Tribunal will ensure politicians can no longer interfere with their pay as they could and did under the system created by the former Labor Government.

Premier Campbell Newman said the establishment of the Tribunal would guarantee State MP entitlements were decided in an independent and open way.

“We have drawn a line in the sand to ensure no Queensland politician, current or retired, will get a pay rise under the system distorted and manipulated by the former Labor Government,” Mr Newman said.

“We are sorting this mess out once and for all, in a totally independent and transparent manner.

“The Tribunal will independently review the remuneration of Members and former Members, and will make legally binding determinations about the level of salaries, allowances and entitlements.

“The legislation ensures the Tribunal operates independently, impartially and fairly. The Tribunal will not be subject to any direction by me as Premier, or by any other Member of Parliament.”

The Queensland Independent Remuneration Tribunal Bill 2013:

·        breaks the legislative nexus between the salaries of Queensland and Commonwealth Members

·        formally establishes the Queensland Independent Remuneration Tribunal under legislation

·        provides that the determinations of the Tribunal are independent, binding and not subject to change by Members

·        legislates to ensure that back pay for current and former Members is only applicable from 1 July 2013

·        provides that the Tribunal must ensure that any allowances are to reflect the amount of reasonable expenses incurred by a Member in servicing their electorate and that the allowances are not a substitute for other remuneration

The Tribunal will make its first determination by 15 October 2013.

Members of the public can view information about the Tribunal by visiting a new website – www.remunerationtribunal.qld.gov.au.

[ENDS] 6 August 2013

Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500