The Tasmanian Greens today (Sunday) said that the Premier’s undertaking to write to the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, to investigate a freeze on an automatic pay-rise of 4.2% for Members of Parliament is welcome recognition that recent concerns expressed about the timing are valid.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that the State should also be examining all appropriate mechanisms that may also be available, rather than rely solely upon a Federal solution.
Mr McKim had raised concerns with the Premier about the mooted Pay-rise at the beginning of March this year, and had committed on Friday to pursue the matter with Ms Giddings following confirmation that State MPs would be receiving the automatic flow-on pay increase on the 1st of July this year.
“The Premier’s undertaking to write to Prime Minister Gillard seeking a federal freeze on MPs pay increases vindicates the concerns raised by the Greens and many others in the community, that a MPs pay rise is unacceptable and insensitive in the current tough financial climate,” Mr McKim said.
“However, we still urge that all appropriate State mechanisms are also explored, rather than leave the ball entirely in the Federal court.”
“This was part of the Greens’ initial written request to the Premier in early March, and we still consider it important that all avenues are investigated.”
“In light of the upcoming tough budget conditions the community is expected to weather, it is only the fair and right thing to do, and it needs to be done in an open and transparent manner,” Mr McKim said.
Download: Copy of letter, 8 March 2011, from Greens Leader Nick McKim to the Premier, Lara Giddings. (1 pg):
May29_MPs_Pay_Referral_Letter_N_McKim_ATTACH.pdf
