Wednesday, 11 July 2007

More Money for Pollies

State MPs can pay child care, travel and car costs for their personal staff out of a huge increase in allowances.

Under the new rules, it has been revealed, office furniture, which MPs previously had to pay for out of what is known as the global allowance, now will be paid by Treasury.

Independent MPs have labelled the global allowance increases, which will cost taxpayers $1.4 million a year, as "extravagant" and a "rort".

The global allowance was increased in last month's Budget from $24,000 to $35,906 for city MPs and $38,250 for those in rural seats.

It has provoked bitter recriminations between MPs of both Houses of Parliament because the increase will not apply to Upper House MPs.

Their allowance remains $12,000 a year.



One rule for the Goose another for the Gander

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