Salary and Allowances
Prior to 1870 only Ministers and Office holders were provided with a Salary. This in effect meant that members had to be wealthy enough to support themselves before seeking election to Parliament. In 1870 the Victorian Parliament provided for the reimbursing of members in relation to their expenses in attending Parliament, in effect the first salary for Members of the Victorian Parliament. At first passed as temporary measure, it later became permanent. The Act provided for a payment of £300 p.a.to those who did not already receive a salary, this equates to approximately $39,000 in 2011 dollars.
Members of both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council are now paid a base salary of $130,907 per annum (as of 1 August 2010), office holders such as the President, Speaker, Ministers and Party leaders receive additional salary on top. The President and Speaker are paid a salary of $215,997 (165% of the base salary). All members receive a residential allowance, a traveling allowance, an electorate allowance and an electorate office allowance being paid in addition to their base salary, some senior office holders are also entitled to an expense allowance.
Read more about this topic: Parliament Of Victoria
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