Greens move to freeze MP salary rises

When Parliament resumes next week, Green Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons will move a resolution to freeze MP salaries at current levels for the remaining term of this Government.

“Many MPs feel uncomfortable that they were awarded a 3.8%—4.8% salary increase last year at a time when there is rising unemployment and many New Zealanders fear for the security of their jobs.”

“We are also aware that Government revenue, from which our salaries come, is falling as the recession bites, while more funding will be needed for investment in job creation and support for the unemployed.”

The Greens’ resolution will enable MPs to personally reinforce the initiative the Prime Minister took in late January by writing to the Higher Salaries Commission asking them to exercise restraint in the award of salary increases.

Ms Fitzsimons has written to all party leaders in the House requesting their support for the following resolution:

“Recognising that in the current economic situation government revenue is reduced, many New Zealanders are losing their jobs or overtime, and more government spending is required to invest in job creation and income support; Members of this House request the Higher Salaries Commission to refrain from raising MPs’ salaries for the term of this 49th Parliament.”