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David Leyonhjelm

How much should we pay our pollies?

Most people serving in parliaments earn more than they would get elsewhere. That is a powerful influence on their behaviour.

Among the many criticisms of politicians that I heard while in the Senate, the accusation they are only in it for the pay and perks, looking after themselves rather than the country and voters, was one of the most common.

Sometimes this arose from dissatisfaction with certain politicians, but more often it reflected disdain for them all. Many Australians are convinced politicians are paid far more than they are worth. I am inclined to agree.

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David Leyonhjelm writes on Australian politics and was a Liberal Democrat senator for NSW.

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    Original URL: https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/how-much-should-we-pay-our-pollies-20190718-p528dw