PAY OF FEDERAL M.P.’S

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27733, 10 August 1955, Page 13

PAY OF FEDERAL M.P.’S

INQUIRY TO REPORT ON INCREASES (Rec. 10 p.m.) CANBERRA, Aug. 9. An independent three-man committee will report on whether the salaries and allowances paid to members of the Federal Parliament should be increased. The Prime Minister (Mr Menzies), in announcing this, said the committee’s terms of reference were: To inquire into and report on the salaries and allowances paid to senators and members of the House of Representatives. If it be reported that it is necessary or desirable to alter such salaries and allowances or any of them, to recommend the nature and extent of the alterations that should be made. Generally to inquire into and report on any other matters arising out of or affecting the premises which may come to the notice of the committee in the course uf its inquiries and which it may consider should be reported upon. The salaries of senators and members of tbe“ were increased in 1952 -from £ 1500 to £1750. Payment of a tax-free allowance of £5OO to senators and of allowances between £4OO and £9OO to members according to the size of their electorate was made in lieu of their previous right to claim taxation deductions on their salaries. At present the Prime Minister's salary is £9250, and that of senior Ministers £5OOO.