Why emoluments committee rejected MPs’ salary increase

The parliamentary Emoluments Standing Committee Rejected a pay rise for MPs because the nation was still suffering from the impact of Tropical Cyclone Winston. SODELPA Opposition had asked that MPs salary be Increased from $50,000 to $70,000.

If there was no TC Winston, we can reasonably assume the committee would have recommended a salary increase. If that had happened we probably might not have come to this point where eight SODELPA MPs and one FijiFirst MP are being investigated for allegedly making false claims for allowance.

What should have happened was to fix a set salary of say $80,000 that includes allowances for local travel, accommodation and meals when attending Standing Committee meetings. That would eliminate the laborious paper work of expenses claims

The other interesting point is that it could be a better cost-effective option. If we do an audit of which system saves money, time and energy, the findings may surprise us.

The committee admitted that it recognized the hardship faced by MPs and there should be adjustments in their allowance to reflect the evolution on their role in the new electoral system,

Later in Parliament, a motion supporting increase in allowance and moved by the Government, was passed with the support of Opposition SODELPA members.

Some of the changes that are part of FICAC investigations:

■ Accommodation Allowance — For meetings of Parliament or Committee, if the member permanently resides at any place more than 30 kilometres away from the place of the meeting of Parliament or Committee, then the member shall be entitled to an allowance of $350 per day plus $30 per meal.

■ Travelling Allowance — For meetings of Parliament or Committee, if the member permanently resides at any place more than 30 kilometres away from the place of the meeting of Parliament or Committee, then the member shall be entitled to cost of travel by the most direct route to and from the meeting. Allowances in respect to motor vehicles shall be payable at the following rates—

(a)Vehicles of up to and equal to 2000 cc — 50 cents per kilometre; and

(b)Vehicles of 2001 cc or over — 60 cents per kilometre

■ Committee Sitting Allowance — For Committee sittings on days other than the sitting of Parliament, the member shall be entitled to an allowance of $200 per day.

With an inclusive salary that covers allowance too when MPs are appointed to committees they are expected to attend.

Some may argue not all MPs will sit on these committees. Those who are not members have a lot of work to do. They can visit the electorate and see what people need as part of their research in their presentation to Parliament during debates.

The overarching point is that all MPs need funds to effectively carry out their electoral duties. Sometimes we get the impression that some MPs lack substance in their presentation because they do not have facts and figures to contribute to quality debate.

In the interest of the public a strong Opposition will produce a strong Government.