MP’s and ministers have started their new jobs with a pay rise of between 3.8 & 4.8%. Many people feel that in the present economic climate this is not a good look. Almost every day there is another news item about yet another group of workers who are being made redundant or whose hours and work opportunities are being reduced. The new government clearly stated they would be a government of restraint and excess spending would be “reined in” So much for election promises it makes you wonder who the rules are for. Is it one rule for us and another rule for the public.
Prime Minister John Key's salary rises from $375,000 a year to $393,000. Not a lot you might say but all ministers and even back benches will get additional pay. The burning question is will these in our parliament earning more money do more work, be more motivated or any way do any thing to justify their additional remuneration. Consider the headlines that there would have been if all politicians had unanimously agreed to for go the salary increase as a show of good faith in the present economic conditions.