James Merlino expects colleagues will donate controversial pay rises

Acting premier James Merlino says he expects his colleagues “on both sides” of politics will donate their controversial pay rises to charity.

Acting premier James Merlino has revealed he expects his parliamentary colleagues would follow his lead and donate their upcoming pay rise to charity.

The deputy Premier – who stood down from his acting duties at 10pm on Sunday night – confirmed he would be giving the extra cash to charity.

Mr Merlino’s current annual pay check, which is about $375,771 will increase to $385,165 from July 1.

“I delivered my last pay rise to a charity and I’ll do so again,” he said on Sunday.

He revealed his charity of choice in the past has been Foodbank, which provides essential food and grocery relief to 815,000 Australians experiencing food insecurity each month.

Merlino will donate his pay rise to Food Bank.

“We’ve just seen over the last 18 months during this pandemic what an incredible job Foodbank have done supporting vulnerable Victorians, so I’ll certainly be continuing to support a charity.”

Victorians reacted furiously to the pollie pay rise plan, which was secretly announced on Friday evening.

When asked if he acknowledged that Victorians were frustrated at the decision after the past 18 months, Mr Merlino said: “I think the important thing is how we respond.”

“I’m going to continue to support charity and my understanding would be … my expectation is that colleagues on both sides of the aisle will do the same.

“This is an independent arms length process, as it should be. Politicians should not be determining their remuneration. It’s an independent separate process that we’re not involved in.”

Premier Daniel Andrews’ annual pay package is expected to increase by more than $10,000 to more than $452,000.