We're overpaying our pollies...

[Rorschach]

Their pay rises have been way above inflation...
And I haven't even mentioned their perks
Funny, neither have you.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/poll ... 6210702704" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[freediver]

That article mention's the PM's salary. There would be many Australians from the private sector on far higher salaries that have far less responsibility - and far less negative consequences for Australians if they do something silly. That is why it only compares the salaries to other politicians.

You will also note that the article talks about many of the perks being scrapped, and past freezing of politicians salaries. That hardly sounds like it is above inflation, or the wage index.

The mind boggles as to why people want to skimp on the salary of politicians when the cost of every mistake they make dwarfs their own salary. It's like you think it is more important to punish politicians for their incompetence than to actually get competent politicians into the job.

[Rorschach]

Many in the private sector are OVERPAID fd.

A 25% pay rise is way above inflation dear boy.

You have no proof that any increase in salary will help the country or improve the quality of politician.
(because it is a myth)

[freediver]

You have no proof that any increase in salary will help the country or improve the quality of politician.
(because it is a myth)

Why is it a myth? Why does economics get turned on it's head when it comes to politicians?

[Rorschach]

Until you posit some proof you have to answer the questions brought up by what I've provided.

Not play silly buggers.

I note you yourself cast doubt on the amounts paid privately.

[mellie]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/senato ... 6416754820

Interesting.

Also note the...

FREQUENCY CHANGE

The frequency of the average weekly earnings series is changing from quarterly to biannual in 2012. The May 2012 publication is the last quarterly issue and the November 2012 publication the first produced on a biannual basis. From 2013 onwards, the AWE series will be published twice a year relating to the May and November quarters. An assessment of the feasibility of releasing seasonally adjusted and trend estimates determined that seasonal factors remain present and can be calculated on a biannual basis. However, it should be noted that calculating seasonally adjusted and trend estimates using only two points of measurement each year, rather than the four points available in a quarterly survey, will likely result in a change in the level of these series. For full details on the change in frequency, refer to the Information Paper: Changes to Average Weekly Earnings, Australia, April 2012 (cat. no. 6302.0.55.002).

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6302.0/

[freediver]

Until you posit some proof you have to answer the questions brought up by what I've provided.

Not play silly buggers.

You want me to find a proof regarding the performance of politicians? But it is me who is playing silly buggers? You think we should start by rejecting conventional economics until someone proves to you that money is a motivator?

[Rorschach]

Got nothing eh freediver?

Just belief in a myth.

[Neferti]

I read somewhere that the Australian Prime Minister gets more than the American President. Is this a fact and if so, why?

[Aussie]

I read somewhere that the Australian Prime Minister gets more than the American President. Is this a fact and if so, why?

She's paid a thousand times what he is paid Naffy, truly. Why, you ask..................well she has a whole World of issues to contend with, that's why.

Trust me on this.