The Tasmanian Greens today reiterated their call for a pay freeze for all Tasmanian MPs, in light of the imminent increase through the coupling of State MPs’ pay to their Commonwealth counterparts.
Member for Braddon Paul ‘Basil’ O’Halloran MP said that there had been incorrect media reports of his pay status in response to a union statement issued yesterday.
“The Greens called numerous times last year, as well as this year, for an absolute pay freeze for State MPs, in light of current Budget constraints. Our position is unchanged. We remain the only party who wants a pay freeze for all Tasmanian MPs,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“Some outlets have incorrectly reported that I am a Secretary to Cabinet and that I would be in line for a possible $56,000 pay increase.”
“For the record, I am Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Skills, not Secretary to Cabinet. As such, I would be in line for the same sort of pay increase as any other backbencher. That is a possible pay increase to which I am opposed as are the rest of the Greens MPs.”
“If the Greens have to vote on any MP salary legislation, numbering five MPs, the Greens will support the option which entails the smallest possible increase for MPs.”
“Ideally, this would be zero.”
“However, Labor and the Liberals have publicly indicated support for a proposed cap instead of a freeze at current pay rates,” said Mr O’Halloran.
