A veteran Far North Queensland councillor has launched a scathing attack on a decision to grant the state's political leaders a pay rise, labelling it 'obscene' while everyday Australians grapple with soaring living costs.
‘Old White Conservative’ Councillor Voices Public Outrage
Cairns Regional Councillor Brett Moller, who describes himself as an 'old white conservative', used a council meeting this week to publicly call out the recent salary increases for Queensland's Premier, Deputy Premier, Ministers, and the Speaker. The independent tribunal determination, which came into effect on July 1, awarded a 3% pay rise to these senior roles.
Cr Moller did not mince words, stating the increase was particularly offensive given the current economic climate. He highlighted the severe financial pressures facing many residents in his region, from rising mortgage and rental payments to increasing costs for groceries and utilities.
The Numbers Behind the Controversy
The pay rise, determined by the independent Queensland Independent Remuneration Tribunal (QIRT), sees the Premier's annual salary increase to $410,000. The Deputy Premier's pay rises to $371,000, while Ministers and the Speaker will now earn $351,000 per year.
Cr Moller contrasted these figures with the struggles of his constituents. "We've got people in our community who are doing it really tough," he told the council chamber. He argued that accepting such an increase during a widespread cost-of-living crisis demonstrates a disconnect between the political class and the people they represent.
The councillor emphasised that his criticism was not partisan but based on principle. He insisted that leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, should show restraint and solidarity when many are facing financial hardship.
A Broader Call for Political Accountability
Moller's public condemnation adds to a growing national conversation about the appropriateness of political remuneration. His comments reflect a sentiment felt in many communities across Australia, where wage growth for ordinary workers has stagnated while essential expenses continue to climb.
The Cairns councillor's stance raises questions about the mechanisms for setting political salaries and whether they adequately consider broader economic conditions. The QIRT operates independently to remove the setting of pay from direct political interference, but critiques like Moller's challenge whether the outcomes align with public expectation during times of economic strain.
This incident underscores the ongoing tension between standard remuneration practices for high-level officials and the perceived need for symbolic leadership during community hardship. As the debate continues, it places a spotlight on how governments at all levels respond to the palpable financial anxiety affecting households across Far North Queensland and the nation.
