Premier pledges to freeze MP pay

Premier Anna Bligh has pledged to freeze the pay of Parliament’s 89 MPs during the economic crisis..

“This is not the time for public representatives to be receiving pay rises,” said Ms Bligh.

“The Global Financial Crisis means that people are losing their jobs and many families are wondering just how they are going to make ends meet.

“I know that the vast majority of MPs from both side of the party divide will be willing to have their wages frozen until economic conditions improve.

“If re-elected I will freeze all MPs pay levels, including Ministers from 1 July 2009.

“I will review my decision once a year during the next term and there will be no pay rises until the economic conditions improve.”

Members of the Legislative Assembly are paid through the Parliament of Queensland Act 2001.

The annual rate of salary for State MPs is $500 less than the annual salary to which an MP in the Federal Parliament is entitled.

The Federal Parliament levels of pay are set by the ‘Remuneration Tribunal’ which sets a recommended rise once a year.

“Prime Minister Kevin Rudd froze pay for Federal MPs last July meaning that Queensland MPs did not get a pay rise last year,” said the Premier.

“I am saying that, regardless of what happens in Canberra in July, there will be no politician pay rises in the Queensland Parliament this year.”

The Premier said she had been distressed by recent job loses in Queensland and said there were more tough times ahead for the State.

“Not too many workers across Queensland this year will be getting big pay rises – most people will be happy to hold on to their jobs,” she said.

“Politicians understand the pressures facing the people they represent and that’s why I will be putting this freeze on wages.”

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