The Sauce: Julie Bishop’s huge pay rise after leaving parliament
Business sources estimate that Julie Bishop has doubled her pay packet since leaving politics, but other former pollies have not fared so well. Read who is still looking for a job.
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Julie Bishop’s post-political career has expanded to five jobs — but the majority of MPs who retired at the May federal election continue to hunt for work.
According to business sources, Ms Bishop’s pay packet will be more than double what she earned in Canberra as the former foreign minister.
Ms Bishop revealed her latest position will be on the board of the Human Vaccines Project, which is working on a single vaccination against major global infectious diseases.
She has already accepted several lucrative board positions, including joining the international advisory board of powerful artificial intelligence firm Afiniti — which aims to improve customer service — as well as private aid contractor Palladium.
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She will also replace John Langoulant as Chair of Perth’s Telethon Kids Institute after his 14 years of voluntary service on the board. And she will also become the next chancellor of the Australian National University.
Ms Bishop will also pocket a six-figure annual pension equal to 75 per cent of a current MP’s base salary, plus additional cash for senior positions held during her parliamentary career.
But The Sunday Telegraph understands some of Ms Bishop’s colleagues, including former frontbencher Jane Prentice, have been overlooked for key government jobs.
This has prompted criticism about the best way to use the skills of former MPs.
An analysis by The Sunday Telegraph revealed the majority of politicians who retired or were booted out of parliament in May are still searching for jobs.
Former prime minister Tony Abbott will fill a vacancy on the board of the Australian War Memorial but a raft of other MPs are hoping and waiting for government appointments.
Former disability services minister Jane Prentice, who does not receive a taxpayer-funded pension, said former MPs had a lot to offer but were being overlooked for government jobs.
“I have been flattered by the number of offers by community groups but I also need something to pay the mortgage,” she said.
“Along with many of my colleagues, I believe former parliamentarians have a lot to offer and the skills to contribute and it would be a shame to waste.”
Former trade minister Steven Ciobo, who is eligible for a government pension, wouldn’t confirm rumours he had lined up a job overseas, saying he was enjoying retirement.
Former minister Craig Laundy is working in his family’s Sydney hotel business, while Kelly O’Dwyer said she was enjoying family time and had not sought a government role.
REVOLVING DOOR
Few things in politics are as certain as the continuous turnover of staff in Minister Ken Wyatt’s office.
Last year taxpayers forked out tens of thousands of dollars for a secret report into bullying allegations in the minister’s office, but it doesn’t seem to have fixed the problem.
Back in the ministerial wing after the May election, Wyatt hired a new media adviser Jo Hocking, who has already left her post after about two months in the role.
And who could blame her?
Last year, Wyatt threatened to quit parliament in order to protect the staff member at the centre of bullying allegations. While Wyatt was never the main subject of the probe, The Sauce understands the minister was accused of mismanaging the conflict and ignoring staff concerns.
At the height of unpleasantries, staff from Greg Hunt’s office popped their heads in to see what all the fuss was about after hearing a commotion.
Send your resumes in now.
TIPPED OFF
The Sauce couldn’t help but notice Bill Shorten’s dismal performance in the press gallery football tipping competition.
Rumour has it Shorten, an AFL fan, has failed to enter his tips since May 18.
Either the former Labor leader gave up on winning the tipping competition about the same time he gave up on becoming Prime Minister or a former staff member has left with the login details.
Got some Sauce? Contact
linda.silmalis@news.com.au
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Originally published as The Sauce: Julie Bishop’s huge pay rise after leaving parliament
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