The Meeting Place > Hot Topics > Morris Iemma asking for perks

Morris Iemma asking for perks

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Pommy
15 yrs ago

I caught the tail end of a discussion on ABC radio today, and the topic was perks for prime ministers and premiers when they leave the office. The argument was that they only receive $300,000 + pay, which doesn't compare well with the leaders of industry. However, politicians pay is NOT performance based, as would be the basis for most chairman in private enterprise.
The subject was raised because Morris Iemma has applied for the lifetime appointment of an office assistant, car and free travel within Australia, after only three and half years as Premier. The minimum term is 4 years!!!!!! It will be interesting to see what happens in this case.
I am not impressed with all the perks they continue to receive, which is taxpayer funded, and yet as a group they are not prepared to assist seniors. They really make me sick. .

4 comments
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PlanB
15 yrs ago

Yes it is a real rip off--they are set for life--we on the other hand have to battle for every penny--as do workers.

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paulti
15 yrs ago

It's all about "feathering" ones nest, if you ask me. How many go into these positions with the true aim to do good for the country, and in it for the long haul, or is it 'what's in it for me'? ..the 'perks, future benefits'.

To spend such a short time in the job (I've been in mine 23 years) and walk away with "no worries" makes one's blood boil. Like many of us mere mortals, have raised a family, paid off the mortgage, saved and invested as much as I could in my super..to have a bit of 'padding' in my nest for my retirement. Now I'm eligible to retire, I find I can't. My super fund has currently gone down the gurgler and I heard the comment by a minister "one will have to work longer", those that have already retired..."will just have to find a job". How out of touch are they?....Perhaps I could go to my boss and ask for special "perks" to assist with my retirement...'no worries' - ha -ha

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Pommy
15 yrs ago

What do you think about politicians, particularly ex PMs' and Premiers, being made to undergo a means test before receiving any benefits, based on family income? I can't think of any recent PMs' or Premiers, who are living in poverty, having left the position, either forced or voluntarily . The thought of Kevin Rudd or Malcolm Turbull receiving these benefits is horrifying, given that they are both millionaires in their own right. Even more distressing is that many of them go onto the speaking circuit, earning big dollars, which in effect is funded by us, the taxpayer, with the free travel, car and office assistant. This rort will cost the taxpayers more and more as we seem to have younger PMs' and Premiers coming on the scene. They all get these benefits regardless of performance.

Jade, there have been all the State Premiers who left before their term finished...usually allegedly for "family reasons.



Steve Bracks left within 12 months of being elected.



Yes, a means test of some sort for those who leave before their term is up would be good.

Except in the case of illness.

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