Scott Morrison dismisses calls for politician pay cuts

Scott Morrison has branded calls for politicians to take a $1000-a-day pay cut while parliament isn’t sitting as “clickbait politics”.

Scott Morrison has dismissed calls for politicians to take a pay cut while parliament is not sitting as “clickbait”.

The Prime Minister, who is paid $549,250 by taxpayers, said today that cutting politicians’ pay “wouldn’t help anyone”.

And he appears to be on a unity ticket with Labor leader Anthony Albanese, who has previously shown little appetite to cop a pay cut for MPs.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison branded the call ‘clickbait politics’. Picture: Gary Ramage/NCA NewsWire

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The first parliamentary sitting fortnight in August has been cancelled on medical advice amid fears that Victorian MPs and staffers could spark an outbreak in Canberra.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, a Victorian, was even forced to emerge at a press conference this week 30 seconds after the PM, to maintain social distancing.

But given the ability for most MPs to attend parliament, SA Senator Rex Patrick has called for politicians’ pay to be docked $1000 every day that they don’t sit in parliament.

Parliamentary sitting days should be rescheduled, not cancelled. If we’re not sitting, we can’t carrying out critical Government oversight activities or deal with legislation. Dock MPs’ and Senators’ $1000 for every sitting day that is cancelled! #auspol https://t.co/v7pMpNhS0l

— Rex Patrick (@Senator_Patrick) July 20, 2020

That’s sparked a sharp rebuke from Mr Morrison who told 2GB’s Ben Fordham, “if he’s not working while the Parliament’s not sitting that’s a matter for him.”

“I can tell you my government members are working as hard outside of the parliament as they do and I can certainly assure you that I am,” the Prime Minister said.

“I think that sort of stuff is just political clickbait for people to put their head above the parapet.

“It doesn’t help anybody, it doesn’t get us anywhere.”

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has previously announced she and other ministers will take a 20 per cent pay cut lasting six months.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced she and her entire ministry would take a 20 per cent pay cut. Picture: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Ms Ardern said it was important the government’s most highly paid politicians show “leadership and solidarity” with workers.

The pay cut reduced her salary by $47,104.

During the 2GB interview, the PM also reveals he has a mask and encouraged NSW residents to wear one on public transport and hotspot areas.

“It’s the medical advice,” he said.

The PM revealed he had worn his own mask to the optometrist and said voters could expect to see him wearing a mask at some point in the future.