Victorian MPs awarded a 2.5 per cent pay rise, Daniel Andrews’ pay soars past $450k

Victorian politicians awarded a pay rise by independent tribunal that did not factor in economic impact of state’s latest lockdown.

Premier Daniel Andrews. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Victorian politicians have been awarded a 2.5 per cent pay rise by an independent remuneration tribunal, which did not consider the economic impact of the state’s latest lockdown it its decision.

From July 1, the salaries as well as the expense allowances of MPs will be increased by 2.5 per cent

The boost will see Premier Daniel Andrews’ pay soar past $450,000 while Deputy Premier James Merlino will now receive $385,165. Frontbenchers and ­Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien will take home $360,858.

The tribunal took into account state politicians did not receive a pay rise in 2020, and the improving economic outlook for both Victoria and the nation. In 2019, Mr Andrews received a $46,522 rise. The tribunal said the increase was in line with the recent decision by Fair Work Commission to increase the minimum wage by 2.5 per cent.

But the tribunal said data on the economic impact of the Victoria’s fourth lockdown was not available when it made its ­decision.

“Official estimates of the economic and financial impacts of these restrictions were not available at the time of making this ­determination,” it said.