Whenever we discuss a problem or issue facing Australia, it’s usually a matter of minutes before someone suggests that the way to fix every problem is to A) cut foreign aid spending or; B) cut politicians wages.

I’m sick to death of repeating how little our foreign aid budget is in the overall scheme of things, and that’s despite my calls last night for a three-year moratorium, so I’m not going to say any more about that.

But again we had a comment on our Facebook page in response to the drought crisis that said “Slashing the politicians wages would be a start”.

Now let’s talk some facts. Total remuneration for our Federal politicians is approximately $73 million per annum. Million not Billion. In comparison, welfare costs nearly $200 BILLION!

If we’re generous and assume that State and Territory politicians cost about the same as their Federal counterparts, and they don’t, that would equate to a total of about $438 million per year. All up.

Even if you stopped paying them altogether and you divided the money equally amongst every Australian, it wouldn’t even buy us a BBQ chook each!

So, I get that everyone is angry about the response to the drought, albeit often misdirected. But let’s at least think before we speak, or type, and be a bit realistic.

Whenever we discuss a problem or issue facing Australia, it&rsquo;s usually a matter of minutes before someone suggests that the way to fix every problem is to A) cut foreign aid spending or; B) cut politicians wages.
I&rsquo;m sick to death of repeating how little our foreign aid budget is in the overall scheme of things, and that&rsquo;s despite my calls last night for a three-year moratorium, so I&rsquo;m not going to say any more about that.
But again we had a comment on our Facebook page in response to the drought crisis that said &ldquo;Slashing the politicians wages would be a start&rdquo;.
Now let&rsquo;s talk some facts. Total remuneration for our Federal politicians is approximately $73 million per annum. Million not Billion. In comparison, welfare costs nearly $200 BILLION!
If we&rsquo;re generous and assume that State and Territory politicians cost about the same as their Federal counterparts, and they don&rsquo;t, that would equate to a total of about $438 million per year. All up.
Even if you stopped paying them altogether and you divided the money equally amongst every Australian, it wouldn&rsquo;t even buy us a BBQ chook each!
So, I get that everyone is angry about the response to the drought, albeit often misdirected. But let&rsquo;s at least think before we speak, or type, and be a bit realistic.

Catch up on Australia by Night with Stephen Cenatiempo!

Australia by Night with Stephen Cenatiempo Podcast

Catch on Australia by Night with Stephen Cenatiempo!

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