Queensland politicians granted up to $6500 for home security upgrades
By Sean Parnell
The Queensland Independent Remuneration Tribunal has granted MPs a $6500, taxpayer-funded allowance to pay for home security systems.
In a determination released on Friday, the tribunal revealed it has previously rejected a request for MPs to be given the flexibility to use existing allowances for home security upgrades.
However, the clerk of parliament in September proposed a separate security allowance, in response to “the potential safety risks that members and their family face as a result of their role in servicing the electorate, including at public engagements, in transit or in their home”.
MPs will converge on Brisbane next week for the first parliamentary sittings of 2025.Credit: Matt Dennien
While more senior politicians, such as ministers, the opposition leader and speaker, already receive taxpayer-funded security, the tribunal ruled an allowance for the other 70 or so MPs was appropriate.
Under a previous determination from the tribunal, the base salary for MPs will increase from $170,105 to $189,505 by July this year.
The latest determination will allow MPs to also seek reimbursement for security expenses of up to $6500 each term, if it has been recommended following a risk assessment undertaken by police or a security adviser.
“The allowance may be used to purchase, install, repair or upgrade home security systems or for other measures appropriate to the member’s personal circumstances, such as, for example, installing security screens and improving line of sight and lighting for CCTV,” the tribunal ruled.
“The allowance may also be used to engage security services by third-party providers, if that is recommended as necessary by a security adviser in its assessment.”
It follows previous moves to give the security officers who protect government and parliament buildings new powers and body cameras.
Parliament will resume next week for the first sittings of 2025, with the LNP government expected to introduce legislation to restore the reporting powers of the Crime and Corruption Commission.
The government on Friday named former banker Paul Williams as the state’s new under treasurer, and former chief justice and governor Paul de Jersey the new chair of the Legal Aid Queensland board.
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