FED: Greens would oppose pay rise push for MPs; Greens

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2004
FED: Greens would oppose pay rise push for MPs; Greens

Greens Senator BOB BROWN says the Australian Greens will oppose any pay rise for MPs
to compensate for planned cuts to superannuation.

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD last week followed Labor's lead and agreed to cut superannuation
contributions for new MPs and senators to the community standard of nine per cent, from
69 per cent.

Deputy Opposition Leader JENNY MACKLIN earlier said an independent body must determine
whether MPs deserve a pay increase, and politicians should have no input into the decision.

Parliamentary secretary for family and community services CHRISTOPHER PYNE says the
remuneration tribunal should look at the entire salary range and package for MPs.

But Senator BROWN says he believes MPs are already well paid.

He's also foreshadowed amending government legislation in the Senate to curb MPs superannuation
entitlements, making sure it applies to all politicians from the next election, not just
new politicians.

AAP RTV las/sb/dl/rt

KEYWORD: SUPER BROWN (HOBART)

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