MPs get pay rise for Christmas

MPs have just got an early Christmas present - a pay rise in the latest review in MPs' salaries.

They have had a 1.4 per cent increase plus $2000 to compensate for the scrapping of the international airfares rebate.

The new salaries, released today by the Remuneration Authority, is part of the regular review of MPs' salaries but it takes into account the axing of the international airfare rebate, which was recently scrapped by the Speaker after intense public pressure.

MPs' salaries are reviewed regularly. The salaries in today's announcement are effective from July this year until the end of June next year, so MPs will be backpaid six months.

MPs' pay rises:

Prime Minister: $393,000 to $400,500

Deputy Prime Minister: $276,700 to $282,500

Crown Ministers: $243,700 to $249,100

Ministers outside Cabinet: $204,300 to $209,100

The Speaker: $243,700 to $249,100

Leader of the Opposition: $243,700 to $249,100

Party leaders' base salary: $144,500 to $148,500

MPs: $131,000 to $134,800