Unanimous Support for Greens Pay Resolution

The Green Party resolution to hold MPs’ pay at current levels passed with support from all parties in Parliament today after negotiations with both National and Labour.

“We are encouraged that all MPs expressed solidarity with the New Zealanders who are struggling in these difficult economic times,” said Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons.

“The resolution was revised after discussions with National and then again after discussions with Labour. The final version reflects the uncertain length of the current recession and explicitly acknowledges the statutory independence of the Remuneration Authority,” Ms Fitzsimons said.

The Green Party Co-leader noted that the Greens remained ready to work with the National-led Government and other parties in any areas of common ground.

The final text of the motion regarding MP pay levels read:

“The Members of this House, 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; agree to support a cross-party submission to the Remuneration Authority asking it to refrain from raising MPs’ salaries during the 2009 review. We commit to revisiting this issue in 2010."

The submission will be made public when it is drafted.