MP pay rises to be limited to public services pay rises

The Queensland Government will deliver a key election commitment and ensure pay rises for Members of Parliament are limited to those of the public service.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new laws passed by the Queensland Parliament tonight meant the MP pay increases determined by the Queensland Independent Remuneration Tribunal could not be greater than those awarded to public sector workers.

“We made a commitment during the election to ensure pay rises for politicians were limited to those of public servants,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“The Tribunal’s current determination that MPs be awarded a 2.58 per cent pay rise is clearly at odds with the next public service pay rise of 2.2 per cent.

“The Bill that was passed tonight will not only retrospectively overturn the decision of the Tribunal - it also limits the Tribunal so it cannot award a pay rise greater than a pay rise awarded to the public service in the future.

“This is about delivering on our election commitments.”

The Parliament of Queensland and Other Acts Amendment Bill also, among other actions, restores the autonomy of the independence of the Speaker and allows a cross-bench Member to be included on the Committee of the Legislative Assembly.

The Bill was first introduced into the Parliament on March 27 and has been subject to Committee scrutiny and public hearings.

The Premier questioned why the LNP Opposition opposed the new laws in tonight’s Parliamentary debate.

“I question why the LNP continue to fight sensible legislation to limit MP pay rises to pay rises for public servants,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Lawrence Springborg is on the record opposing this move and I think Queenslanders have a right to know why.” M

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