Tassie MPs already overpaid

POLITICIANS’ PAY RISES

SUE Hickey is paid $190,000 a year for the duty of Speaker of the Tasmanian Lower House. She regards this as insufficient. The US Secretary of State is paid $440,000 ($US300,000) for negotiating, interpreting and terminating treaties with foreign governments, informing Congress on the state of US foreign relations and ensuring protection of US citizens while they are abroad. Perhaps a better comparison, the Governor of New York (population 20 million, budget $US175 billion compared with Tasmania’s $6.3 billion) receives $270,000 ($US180,000).

This would suggest Sue Hickey is grossly overpaid already compared with these two positions. As indeed are all our state politicians for their relatively simple duties which comprise, at the most, relating government policy to the secretaries of their portfolios and presenting pre-prepared answers to questions in parliament and from the press. 10 per cent so is it any wonder that the functional literacy rate is 52 per cent. The additional 110 absent students above the average in this instance are no doubt recidivists who virtually never attend school.

When Sue’s Government works to have the attendance rates reduced to the state average, the pay rise she is seeking would be widely supported.

Gruelling schedule

FOR those so critical of pay rates for politicians it is obvious they have no understanding of their demanding workload. Any person who thinks they could work for a four-year term or often longer if reelected, quite often seven days and nights for weeks on end, is delusional. Those in the parliament earn every cent. One only has to read the diary of any minister or backbencher.

Very few people could maintain the gruelling schedule and perform their duties in the public spotlight as our elected members do. If we are to attract the right candidates to represent us then the salary package must be appealing. The private sector offers far more attractive pay rates with a lesser workload and far less scrutiny and as a result many suitable candidates are not enticed to enter the political arena.

Working poor contrast

I WAS interested to read Sue Hickey is seeking a pay rise on her current $190,000 plus allowances. Meanwhile the headlines on the front page of the same edition relate to a surge in the number of “working poor”. These unfortunate people/families are employed and doing their best but their wages are so minuscule they are forced to rely on food relief (read here “handouts”). The irony of these two sets of circumstances is not lost on me.

Hard line on talks

WHILE Sue Hickey is correct in her claim that she and her colleagues work hard, she would obviously have been aware of salary and conditions of parliamentary representatives when seeking election. Many workers in other demanding occupations could also argue for a pay rise, emergency services personnel in particular. Given Peter Gutwein’s hardline stance in recent public service pay negotiations, l doubt her argument will attract much sympathy beyond the walls of Parliament House.

How much is enough?

AS one who invariably works seven days a week in an unpaid capacity, surviving on an aged pension as a result of unreasonable challenges in life, while trying to advance mental health and wellbeing through spiritual insight, and to help generate a more respectful, inclusive and loving society, I find Sue Hickey’s bid for an increase to her $190,000-plus annual salary disgraceful.

When is enough money enough for any one individual? I would be more than satisfied if I received half of Sue’s already substantial income, as indeed I’m sure every pensioner would be, especially those on Newstart!

Peace for Lucille’s family

I WAS 13 when Lucille Butterworth went missing 50 years ago and she feels like a sister to me with all the things that have been written about her since. All I wish before I go is that they can hunt the killer down so the family can have peace.

Just saying

MADAM Speaker’s demand for extra money seems a little unladylike to me.

Same argument for public servants

THE same pay scenario with long hours is equally justified for nurses, paramedics and ambulance officers, teachers and rank-and-file public servants, Sue, so what are you on about (“Hard-working Hickey speaks up with a case for more money,” Mercury, September 2).

Even if you’re worth it

BEST of luck Sue, my boss used to tell us we were worth more money but don’t ask for it.

Brexit business boost

THE only states not to have an agent-general in London are NSW and Tasmania. The NSW premier is looking to rectify this so maybe Will should consider it as well, particularly with Brexit coming up in October. There should be plenty of commercial opportunities with an independent Britain.