Salary crackdown as $5.6m man quits post
AUSTRALIA Post chief Ahmed Fahour has quit just as the Government launches a salary crackdown at the top of the 208-year-old service.
It comes a fortnight after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull scolded him over his $5.6 million pay packet.
The Government yesterday moved swiftly to cap the pay of the incoming chief, with revelations that it wants the federal Remuneration Tribunal to have the final say on any lucrative pay packages.
Under the proposal, the independent tribunal that handles Commonwealth pay will ensure the wage is “commensaid surate with the responsibilities of the role”.
But Mr Fahour, who has run the service for seven years, it was his choice to walk away, insisting he was not responding to political pressure.
“Clearly, this has been a very difficult and emotional decision for me and my family but I have come to the conclusion that the timing is right,” he said.
“Seven years is a long time ... particularly as it is a 24/7 job.”
But Post chairman John Stanhope indicated to media yesterday that the recent turmoil “has influenced (Mr Fahour’s) decision”.
Details of his $5.6 million pay for 2016 sparked criticism from the Prime Minister, who labelled it “too high”. Sources close to Australia Post feel that Mr Turnbull threw Mr Fahour “under a bus” in a bid to score political points.
It is understood Mr Turnbull shared a blunt call with Mr Stanhope saying Mr Fahour’s wage had to be cut.
But it is believed he did not try to force Mr Fahour out.
Mr Fahour appeared to take a parting shot at One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who said she was “absolutely disgusted” by his pay packet.
“It is fair to say it is a little bit more complex than running a fish-and-chip shop,” Mr Fahour said, referring to Senator Hanson’s previous role.