‘Rorts’: What you said about Dutton’s pension for life

Peter Dutton’s $280k a year pension has sparked outrage and debate about whether politicians should be entitled to a taxpayer funded pension for the rest of their life. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Peter Dutton may be eligible for a taxpayer-funded pension of up to $280,000 per year. Picture: Adam Head

• Dutton’s taxpayer funded pension

News that Peter Dutton may be eligible for a taxpayer-funded pension of up to $280,000 per year has drawn criticism, with many calling the generous benefits for former politicians “ridiculous” and arguing they should be scrapped.

Mr Dutton was elected in 2001, three years before John Howard announced he would close down the parliamentary superannuation scheme in 2004. All MPs elected prior to the November 2007 election would be entitled to a pension scheme that takes into account time served in office and positions held while in office.

Only a small number of MPs remain eligible for this pension scheme. They include Sussan Ley, Catherine King, Tanya Plibersek and Penny Wong.

This is what you said about Mr Dutton’s taxpayer-funded pension.

SERIOUSLY FLAWED SYSTEM

Darrel

Bloody disgraceful. He is only 55 and gets $280,000 a year pension, while normal Australians have to wait until they are 67 to get the age pension and get approximately $27,000 a year pension. Do your maths here. Something really wrong with politicians getting fat retirement pension. Every politician should get the same as ordinary citizens in Australia. If they lose their seats and are out of a job then they should find another like everyone else.

David

Yep the MP pension system is a scam the fact it isn’t means tested is a joke.

Lynne

These are the rorts that need to be stopped.

Peter Dutton and his family during the Coalition event held in Brisbane after Australians voted in the Federal Election on May 3. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Sandra

Why aren’t politicians means tested like everyday pensioners? One rule for them and another for us.

Noela

They should be entitled to a generous pension for their service to the country but it definitely should not exceed 100k annually.

Elaine

How about they get a bigger salary when they’re working and then a normal superannuation. If they then run out they can get the pension just like everyone else.

Anthony

I understand that is also tax free, while measly pensions paid to ex defence force members are taxed.

Warren

What about those who have served in the military? We signed an agreement to forfeit our lives in the protection of the nation which is far more deserving than ANY politician.

Allan

Will he have reporting dates to Centrelink like those of us on minuscule age pensions?

Peter Dutton arrives in Canberra on May 7. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

LET HIM HAVE A BREAK

Valerie

He’s earned every penny of that money.

Ned

Get over it! Peter Dutton has served his electorate and the country for 20 years. Twice carrying tough portfolios in Federal Coalition Government and being the leader of the opposition for term.

Robyn

He is entitled to his pension. It’s an old scheme that doesn’t now exist. Enjoy your retirement Peter.

Pedro

Even though I don’t support Dutton, he’s made a committed contribution to Australia in a very difficult job that would pay 10 times what he got if it was outside politics. Give him what he is entitled to. My only question is how will the $3m super tax apply to that entitlement

Peter Dutton waves after conceding defeat in the general election at the Liberal Party election night event in Brisbane on May 3. Picture: Patrick Hamilton / AFP)

Graham

He deserves it – leave him alone.

Patrick

I don’t take issue with these pensions. I actually don’t think these guys are paid enough. It’s the reason we have such incompetence in parliament. the money is in business, not politics. so that’s where the smart people are.

Col

Why all the fuss? Those politicians that joined the parliament before the new pension rules were in place are entitled to what they receive under those rules. It is not a rort of any kind, it is just as the old pension policy intended. Good luck to him in retirement.

Jon

As a tax payer I’m fine with Dutton getting the pension. Most of us wouldn’t dare put ourselves through so many years of political garbage and public scrutiny so let him have it.

Originally published as ‘Rorts’: What you said about Dutton’s pension for life