Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Pay pollie a cracker?

By David Leyonhjelm - posted Wednesday, 24 July 2019


Among the many criticisms of politicians that I heard whilst in the Senate, the accusation that they are only in it for the pay and perks, looking after themselves rather than the country and voters, was one of the most common.

Sometimes this arose from dissatisfaction with certain politicians, but more often it reflected disdain for them all. Many Australians are convinced that politicians are paid far more than they are worth. I am inclined to agree with them.

This prompts the question - should politicians be paid at all? Should we treat parliamentary service as a career, as we do now, or is it a form of public service necessitating an element of sacrifice? And if politicians are to be paid, what is an appropriate amount?

Advertisement

In democracy's ancient home, Athens, eligible citizens all had a civic duty to participate in the governing assembly. There was no salary, although in the fifth century BC an attendance fee was introduced as an incentive.

In the British parliament, on which our democracy is based, service in the House of Commons was unpaid until 1911. Members of the House of Lords, who are mostly appointed, are still unpaid unless they hold an official position. They can claim an attendance allowance plus limited travel expenses, although many do not bother.

Politicians in several US states receive little or no pay for their service. In New Hampshire, for example, state legislators are paid just $200 for their two-year term plus mileage. In Maine, Kansas, Wyoming and New Mexico, state politicians are paid less than what Australian local government councillors receive.

It's different for heads of government, most of whom are well paid. Top of the list is the Prime Minister of Singapore, at more than a million dollars and over five times the pay of ordinary MPs. By comparison Australia is rather egalitarian; our government leaders are only paid about double what ordinary politicians receive.

But it is the pay of ordinary politicians that agitates people, and on that Australia is generous. A backbench member of the federal parliament receives a package (ie salary, allowances and superannuation) of at least $280,000. State politicians' salaries tend to be only slightly lower.

This is far more than what most of them earned before getting elected and, more importantly, is much more than what they could earn if they lost their seat. This has a powerful effect on their behaviour.

Advertisement

Not paying politicians would change the types of people who offer themselves for election. In the case of New Hampshire, a 2007 survey found that nearly half the members of the legislature were retired, with an average age over 60.

Perhaps it is reasonable that they be paid something. Being a senator can be extremely busy, as I found. There are not only long days in Canberra but also committee hearings and an endless stream of people seeking help. Most politicians treat it as a full time job and their salary is their sole source of income.

But that need not be the case. While the workload for key ministers is substantial, ordinary MPs have a lot of time flexibility. Indeed, some undertake additional study or write a book, while a few maintain a professional interest (such as doctors) or remain involved in an outside business (as I did).

  1. Pages:
  2. Page 1
  3. 2
  4. All

This article was first published in the Australian Financial Review.



Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

7 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

David Leyonhjelm is a former Senator for the Liberal Democrats.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by David Leyonhjelm

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of David Leyonhjelm
Article Tools
Comment 7 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy