Thursday February 14, 08:00 PM
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has proposed a wage freeze for federal
MPs, recommending Parliamentary salaries not rise until at least
the middle of next year.
He says MPs will not be able to reclaim foregone salary at a
later date, a move backed by the Opposition.
Mr Rudd says it is a modest measure but one that is important in
setting an example in the fight against inflation.
"We are not calling on working families to engage in some sort
of freeze in their wage claims or wage outcomes, working families
are already under enough pressure," he said.
"But we need to be able to face the Australian community in the
eye and say that we, in the privileged position in this case, are
doing one small bit when it comes to exercising wage restraint on
our part."
Opposition Leader Breandan Nelson has supported the pay
freeze.
"It just sends a signal to everyday Australians that we want to
make a contribution, whatever that contribution is, to make sure
that they know that we are doing our bit," he said.
Mr Rudd is urging the corporate sector, in particular CEOs
around the country, to follow his lead and show wage restraint.
"Right across the country many people have responded to further
claims for CEO salary increases," he said.
"Markets ultimately determine these things but in the difficult
circumstance we face this year on the economy and inflation I would
hope that those in the most privileged positions in the corporate
sector also reflect carefully on the need for CEO wage restraint in
the year ahead."
will they become corrupted?
