Berejiklian, Barilaro tell MPs ‘reject your own pay rise’
No government MPs will get a pay rise this year even if an independent tribunal awards them one after an edict from Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
NSW
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Premier Gladys Berejiklian and her deputy John Barilaro will order all government MPs to deny themselves a pay rise this year if an independent tribunal awards them one.
The government has floated the idea of a public sector wage freeze for all frontline workers including nurses, teachers and police due to the pandemic’s economic fallout.
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But MPs could be offered the standard 2.5 per cent increase when the independent Parliamentary Remuneration Tribunal makes its annual determination before July 1.
Following inquiries from The Daily Telegraph the government revealed it would be up to each MP to decide whether to take the money, but government members would be forced to forgo a rise.
“If the independent PRT were to recommend an increase for politicians, the premier, deputy premier and treasurer would instruct their members to reject it and we call upon Labor and the Greens to do the same,” a statement said.
A statement from Labor leader Jodi McKay’s office last night said “no MP should get a pay rise”, but she stopped short of giving the same ultimatum as the premier.
Treasurer Dom Perrottet has fuelled speculation the government would enforce a wage freeze by talking up sacrifices in the private sector.
“It doesn’t make any sense for a politician or staffer to take a pay rise in the current environment,” he said.