MPs’ actions speak louder than words

While many New Zealanders were horrified at the increase in child poverty figures released last week, another news item slipped under the radar. MPs salaries went up by around 4%.

“MPs express concern at growing levels of poverty in NZ, but at the same time their salaries are putting them further out of touch with ordinary New Zealanders,” says Closing the Gap spokesperson Peter Malcolm. “It seems pretty hypocritical.”

John Key’s salary increases by $13,500 and normal MPs receive a $6000 raise.

“In February the Remuneration Authority offered MPs a similar increase but there was an outcry that saw the percentage increase reduced. This time the news has come out around Christmas time and there has been very little fanfare.

“It’s hardly surprising when 300,000 kids are living in poverty that MPs don’t want to broadcast their pay rise. Concerned New Zealanders need to take note and speak out.

The average New Zealand worker received a pay rise well below 4 percent this year. Beneficiaries with children will receive a $25 benefit increase as of April next year. As usual it’s the people at the top end of the scale who are rewarded out of proportion to those at the lower end.

“It’s simply not good enough that MPs are paid so much more than the people they supposedly represent. Not that they blame poverty on spurious reasons like drug use when they are clearly out of touch with what it means to be struggling.

“Closing the Gap calls on MPs to donate their salary increase to poverty alleviating charities. Let’s see them put their money where their mouths are,” says Malcolm.

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