Victorian politicians will receive their second 3.5 per cent pay rise in two years, pushing Premier Jacinta Allan’s salary to $435,434 from Monday.
The premier’s salary will nudge half a million dollars, sitting at $498,031, once another $62,597 in expenses is tallied in.
Premier Jacinta Allan’s salary has increased to almost $500,000, including expenses.Credit: Joe Armao
Backbench MPs will have a base salary of $205,798 under the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal’s determination, which takes effect on Monday – the same day it was announced.
The government does not set salaries for politicians. The tribunal was established by the government in 2019 to stop politicians from determining their own salaries.
“Salary adjustments for members of parliament are a matter for the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal, a body we established, so these decisions are made independently and at arm’s length of government,” a government spokeswoman said.
While salaries and expenses will increase by 3.5 per cent, electorate allowances and travel allowances will grow by 3.6 per cent. Driving allowances are being hiked 3.4 per cent, and the budget for electorate offices and communications will increase by 6.1 per cent per voter.
Greens leader Ellen Sandell submitted MPs’ salaries should not exceed the public sector wage cap.Credit: AAP
Several submissions to the tribunal argued MPs’ salaries should be reduced, frozen or increased by 3 per cent only.
Greens leader Ellen Sandell had argued in a submission that MPs’ salaries should not exceed the public sector wage cap, which is set at 3 per cent. But she also said crossbench MPs had insufficient staff and resources.