Page 2624 - Week 09 - Thursday, 8 August 1991
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continues to be used. That is in keeping with the general industrial scene in Australia where people's wages and salaries are set by an independent other party; there is nothing unusual about that.
The determinations of the tribunal are reported to the ACT Executive and to the Commonwealth Minister responsible for the tribunal. As with determinations for Commonwealth matters, determinations for Assembly members are tabled in the Australian Parliament, which has the power to pass a resolution disapproving that determination. So, only the Commonwealth could take action to disallow the Remuneration Tribunal's determinations for the Assembly; it is not within the power of this Assembly.
But, once that determination has been made by the Remuneration Tribunal, the ACT is obliged to pay the remuneration as set out in the determination. However - this may come as news to Mr Stevenson - individual MLAs do not have to accept that remuneration. It is perfectly open for an individual MLA to return money by way of a donation to the public purse. It is perfectly open for individual MLAs to donate money to a charity of their choice, if they wish to do so. I repeat that Mr Stevenson has taken that money.
Mr Duby: As was announced by a former Leader of the Opposition, I believe.
MS FOLLETT: Indeed, amongst the range of leaders of the opposition. Mr Stevenson is aware of that process and that it has been followed throughout the life of this Assembly. Mr Stevenson has had ample opportunity to take part in that process, as have all members.
Several submissions have been made to the Remuneration Tribunal. I made one when we were first in government; I know that Mr Kaine made one on 27 June 1990; and I know that on 15 February 1991 he made a further submission. I am not sure whether, in making that submission, he was putting it forward on behalf of the then Government or his party. A range of submissions has been put forward, of which Mr Stevenson is only too aware. The Remuneration Tribunal subsequently visited the Assembly and spoke to a number of members. Mr Stevenson had the opportunity at that point to put his view to the tribunal.
Mr Stevenson: And would have loved to, but unfortunately was not available.
MS FOLLETT: Mr Stevenson, I gather, was out of the ACT pursuing a political career elsewhere. Many members of the Assembly did meet with the Remuneration Tribunal. The aspect of remuneration put to the tribunal by the Labor members was one, and one only, and that is that the work of a member of the Legislative Assembly is a full-time job.
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