Tasmanian taxpayers paying massive salaries of the state’s most lucrative job positions

The state budget has revealed how much Tasmanian taxpayers are paying some of the state’s highest earners, who hold the most lucrative positions. SEE THEIR SALARIES >>

Her Excellency Tasmanian Governor Barbara Baker. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Tasmanian taxpayers are paying more than half-a-million-dollar salary packages to some of the state’s most influential and lucrative positions in the state.

The state Budget outlined Tasmanian governor Barbara Baker’s salary package will have a pay increase to $540,000 in the next financial year after. Last year she was paid $514,000 for her duties.

It was a downgrade for Ms Baker after the Budget 2021-22 expected the governor’s salary package would soar to $662,000 by 2024-25.

In 2021, she was paid $620,000 before taking a $100,000 pay hit.

Daryl Coates SC. Sue Neill-Fraser Appeal. Day 2. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

The Department of Public Prosecutions director, Daryl Coates SC, will be paid a $570,000 package, including transportation, as outlined in the Budget.

Mr Coates was appointed to the lucrative position in November 2015 after acting in the role since 2013.

Last year, he was paid $560,000, with the Budget’s forward estimates allowing a $10,000 pay rise each year.

The associate judge of the Supreme Court will be paid an extra $18,000 in 2023-24.

After being paid $487,000 last year, Stephen James Holt will get paid a $505,000 salary including travel.

He was appointed to the position of Associate Judge, which was previously known as Master, of the Supreme Court in September 1999.

Last years Budget indicated the associate judge would be paid $501,000 but will actually receive $4,000 extra in the package.

The solicitor-general will receive a salary increase of $21,000 after the Budget outlined she will receive $591,000 in 2023-24.

Mrs Sarah Kay SC was appointed to the job in January 2022.

Last years budget forward estimates expected the solicitor-general would be paid $586k, including travel, but instead received an extra $5k on top in this year’s budget.

The Auditor-General will be paid $546,000 with forward estimates outlining the role will receive a $10,000 pay increase each year.

CPSU General Secretary Thirza White. Picture: Chris Kidd

Community and Public Sector Union secretary Thirza White said the government understands the importance of providing wages that are competitive.

“The problem is that it does not apply this logic when we are seeking to recruit and retain skilled professionals and workers in our regions who are critical to delivering services to Tasmanians,” she said.

“Workers in Child Safety and Allied Health Professionals in our schools have been chronically understaffed for years and yet the Government refuses to use its power to apply a market rate to their salaries to assist with the recruitment and retention crisis.”