Pay rise for NT politicians rejected by major parties despite independent tribunal’s recommendation

Members on both sides of the chamber have spoken out about a recommended pay rise for Territory politicians. Here’s how the parties stand.

Both major parties have backed Chief Minister Natasha Fyles’ calls to reject a $3000 pay increase for politicians. Picture Katrina Bridgeford

A pay rise for politicians has been rejected by the two major parties, with several MLAs saying the government’s economic woes are to blame.

The remuneration tribunal, an independent body tasked with reviewing NT politicians’ salaries, has determined each member should receive a flat $3000 pay rise.

The Northern Territory government brought in a pay freeze for elected members in 2019, in line with wage freezes for the broader public sector.

In November’s parliament sittings Chief Minister Natasha Fyles introduced urgent legislation to reject the recommended pay increase.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles introduced urgent legislation to reject the remuneration tribunal’s recommendation that politicians receive a $3000 flat pay increase. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

“We have done an enormous amount of work as have many people in the Northern Territory, to ensure that we manage the budget but we know that there is more work to do,” Ms Fyles said.

“We need to lead as leaders of this House.

“It is with no disrespect to (the tribunal), but we simply do not agree.”

The Treasurer’s Mid-Year Report forecasts a half-billion dollar blowout in debt over the forward estimates ending 2025-26.

An end to the public sector’s pay freeze, announced in October, is expected to increase debt by $245m over four years.

The Chief Minister takes home about $325,000 a year, while elected members with no portfolios earn about $162,000.

The Deputy Chief Minister gets a salary of $292,000, while Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro receives $268,000 – the same as a minister.

While voicing its support for a continuation of the pollies’ pay freeze, the CLP said it was a result of poor economic management.

“The reason we are in this position in the first place is because this government blew the budget, skyrocketed our debt and has no understanding of how to fiscally manage the Northern Territory,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

“You have put Territorians in a position where our entire public service is now on a pay freeze – which you only just lifted, but you have failed in your negotiations so far to negotiate a pay deal.”

Independent Araluen MLA Robyn Lambley says while she personally does not need a pay increase, she thinks the decision to continue the pay freeze is unfair. Picture: Che Chorley

Independent Araluen MLA Robyn Lambley said the lowest salary was much less than most executive officer roles.

“I am not advocating for a pay rise for me, I do not need the extra money … but there are people in this Chamber who have commitments, are paying off houses, have bills to pay and are supporting families – like every other Territorian,” she said.

“To put them through another extended period of freezing their pay is unfair.

“We want and need the best politicians we can get in the Northern Territory and by offering them the lowest of pay in the country we will struggle to do that.

“The old saying ‘if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys’ – that speaks for itself.”

Ms Fyles said the remuneration tribunal was conducting a report into the allowances of local council members.

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