When a doctor is operating on me, I want to know he or she is being paid good money.

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When a doctor is operating on me, I want to know he or she is being paid good money. #qldpol #smoqld #keepourdoctors

Likewise, if someone’s running my state or country, I want to know they’re handsomely rewarded.

That’s why I normally dismiss criticisms of politicians’ pay as populist nonsense.

The public frequently complain about the quality of politicians in this country, yet many people want to adopt measures (i.e. lower pay) which would attract even worse candidates. Talented leaders can earn a lot more money in the private sector, so we need something to attract these people.

What’s different about last week’s news that Campbell Newman will receive a $70,000 payrise? It comes at a time when the Queensland Government is trying to force public sector doctors onto individual contracts, which they say will affect their pay and conditions.

It also comes after the Government sacked more than 12,000 public sector workers, under the mantra of “living within our means”.

Mr Newman, whose annual salary will now reach $380,000, defends the pay rise by saying that it was decided by an independent tribunal. However, he set up the Queensland Independent Remuneration Tribunal in July last year after being forced to back down from a 42 per cent wage increase for MPs.

This hypocrisy isn’t limited to Queensland’s politicians. On the federal level, we learnt this week that taxpayers forked out $1.27 million for retired federal politicians and their families to take free business class flights around Australia last financial year.

The “Gold Pass” scheme was axed by Julia Gillard for all new MPs last year, yet nearly 170 former MPs still enjoy the entitlements.

At the same time, Treasurer Joe Hockey is flagging a “tough budget” this year, including cuts to the aged pension.

In the end, MPs’ salary represents a tiny fraction of the budget. Yet politicians need to consider the message they are sending when they allow massive pay rises in a time of “living within our means”.

Because if I had to choose between Campbell Newman and the doctor, I would go with the doctor every time.

Source: Townsville Bulletin