M.P.s set for wage rise

Press, 5 December 1988, Page 1

M.P.s set for wage rise

PA Wellington Politicians and others whose salaries are fixed by the Higher Salaries Commission are set for a boost in their pay packets in time for Christmas. Their increases will be backdated to April 1. The commission has already awarded members of Parliament, the Judiciary and top statutory and local body officials a 9.5 per cent rise this year. However, that was an interim measure only. The commission’s executive

officer, Mr Lyle Shanks, said he could not say exactly when the final determinations would be issued, though he expected it would be in about a fortnight. Based on recent movement in private sector salary packages at the top end of the scale, sources say those under the commission’s jurisdiction are likely to be awarded increases of between 4 per cent and 8 per cent. The interim increase did not include adjustments to members of Parliament allowances, which make up a significant part of

their take-home pay. Allowances are expected to increase as part of the final determination. The commission chairman, Mr John Dunmore, could not be reached for comment. When the commission handed down its 9.5 per cent interim increase in May, however, he described it as “fairly moderate.” Apart from a 10 per cent pay rise last year, those under the commission’s jurisdiction had not received increases since April, 1985.