Federal politicians will receive a massive increase in their salaries, with plans for backbenchers' pay to double to almost $250,000.
Julia Gillard, who earns $366,366, could earn as much as $650,000 under the new system, which would see politicians trade extras, such as allowances, for bigger overall pay packets, the Daily Telegraph reports.
MPs receive substantial handouts on top of their salaries, with electoral allowances of up to $50,000 and printing allowances of $75,000, as well as perks including unlimited free domestic travel when they retire.
The changes would see opposition leader Tony Abbot's pay jump from $259,000 to $479,000.
The new pay will be decided by the Federal Remuneration Tribunal at the end of the year.
The news comes after reports this week that some federal public servants, including the Tax Commissioner, Auditor-General and the Australian Statistician, will pocket an extra $250,000 to $300,000, boosting their salaries to about $800,000.
Front page
RSS Feed