How much are Queensland politicians paid?

With the election campaign now well under way we’re seeing a lot of our politicians out and about. But you might be wondering, just how much are they being paid?

Queensland Parliament House, Brisbane. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The Queensland State Election will see current Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli go head-to-head in what could be an historic election if the LNP is voted in, as is predicted in the polls.

But just how much are our politicians paid, and how might their pay change after the election? And how does this compare to other states?

How much do Queensland politicians get paid?

Each member of Queensland parliament is paid an annual base salary of $182,985, with additional salary awarded to members depending on their positions.

Who decides how much Queensland politicians get paid?

The Queensland Independent Remuneration Tribunal (QIRT) determines the annual base and additional salaries of each member.

The QIRT is an independent statutory authority that determines and reviews the salaries, allowances and entitlements of members and former members of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.

How much do backbenchers earn?

Backbenchers in the Queensland Legislative Assembly earn a yearly salary of $183,985.

However, if an MP is a member of one of the ten committees including the cost of living and economics committee or the committee of the Legislative Assembly, they can earn a salary of $211,831.

Further to this, if the member is the chairperson of a committee their salary bumps up to $253,601.

How much do ministers earn?

Ministers currently earn an annual salary of $378,910 and this increases to $385,871 if a member is a minister and the leader of the house.

Assistant ministers earn $281,447, in line with other positions such as Chief Opposition Whip and Deputy Speaker.

However, assistant ministers could earn close to $70,000 more if they are also the leader of the house - the same salary as the speaker.

How much does the Queensland Premier earn?

As the highest paid state member of the legislative assembly, the Premier earns a whopping $462,449 a year.

The Deputy Premier - the second highest paid member - earns $406,756.

How much does the Opposition Leader earn?

The Opposition Leader currently sits at an annual salary of $378,910 - the same pay as a minister and less than the Deputy Premier.

Deputy Opposition Leader is paid $295,371.

So if David Crisafulli wins, how big is his pay rise?

Currently, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli is staring down a hefty pay rise of nearly $84,000 if elected on October 26.

Another pay rise on the way

Queensland politicians are in for another pay increase come mid-2025 after a decision released in December 2023 saw state politicians get an 11 per cent increase over three years.

This was in line with pay increases received by public servants as part of the sector-wide wage deal unions brokered with the government at the time.

As a result, this would mean the Premier - be it Miles or Crisafulli - would earn $476,322 a year.

How does this compare with other state and territory leaders?

Even with the final pay rise in 2025, Queensland will still sit second amongst the other premiers across the country, trailing behind Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who is just shy of cashing in half a million dollars a year.

Victoria

Base salary of an MP is $205,798 per annum.

The Premier - Jacinta Allan - earns a total of $498,031.

New South Wales

The base salary of an MP is $172,576.

Current Premier Chris Minns earns a total of $416,440.

South Australia

The salary for a member of the South Australian Parliament is tied to their federal colleagues in which they earn $42,000 less than the rate of federal members.

This means, currently, SA MPs make $191,643 after a 3.5 per cent pay rise for federal politicians came into affect in July.

Premier Peter Malinauskas cashes in more than $415,000 a year.

ACT

The base salary MPs earn in the Australian Capital Territory is $188,798 a year.

Current Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, banks a healthy $396,584 a year.

Western Australia

After a recent pay rise, the base salary currently sits at $173,393 a year.

WA Premier Roger Cook receives $392,584 a year.

Northern Territory

The basic salary of a MP in NT is $166,763.

Northern Territory’s former Chief Minister Eva Lawler had an annual salary of $333,526. Lia Finocchiaro has just taken over the position.

Tasmania

Currently, Tasmanian MPs receive a base salary of $140,185 - a rate that has remained unchanged since 2018.

Sitting at the bottom of the list is Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff who earns $301,397 a year - nearly $200,000 less than the Victorian Premier.