The Premier, Lara Giddings, said today the State Government had made it very clear that it did not want to see a windfall gain flowing to politicians, be it through the current tie to Commonwealth salaries or an Industrial Commission ruling in 12 months' time.

 

"The current system tying politicians pay to Federal salaries is broken and needs structural reform - not tinkering around the edges," Ms Giddings said.

 

"I am incredibly concerned, based on experience elsewhere, that referring this issue to the Industrial Commission would result in a pay rise far in excess of 2 per cent, which is not appropriate at this time.

 

"Our preferred option has always been to tie Tasmanian MPs wages to the public service to ensure fairness and equity while also preventing future windfalls flowing to politicians.

 

"The process of negotiating pay agreements for public servants will not change or be influenced by this approach - the aim is to ensure that politicians only receive the same increase as the public service and no more.

 

"The Legislative Council is out of step with the community on this issue and I would urge them to at least meet with the Government to discuss a possible compromise.

 

"Given that all three parties in the Lower House voted for the Government's legislation, I don't think is unreasonable to seek further discussions on this issue."