Jess Wilson vows $598,000 salary cap for top government executives
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has pledged to cap senior public servant salaries at $598,000 under a Coalition government, aligning them with the chief justice's pay and aiming to save $20 million by 2036. The move responds to concerns over executives being paid well above public service bands, particularly in transport and infrastructure roles. Wilson argues the policy prioritizes fiscal responsibility and public expectations, contrasting it with Labor's spending on high-paid executives. The cap would apply to new, renewed, or renegotiated contracts and rise annually with wages.
- ▪The proposed $598,000 salary cap applies to new, renewed, or renegotiated contracts for top public servants under the Coalition's plan.
- ▪The opposition estimates the salary cap could save taxpayers $20 million by 2036.
- ▪More than 100 executives have been paid above public service salary bands in the past five years, with some earning over $900,000 including entitlements.
- ▪The Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal recommends pay above bands but its advice is not binding on government employers.
- ▪The policy aims to align executive pay with community expectations and follows criticism of high salaries in major project authorities like the Suburban Rail Loop.
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