Three Border politicians have said they would willingly take a pay cut during the coronavirus crisis, though one says he thinks it is unlikely the government will implement the measure.
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Calls for politicians to review their own remuneration were renewed this week after the NSW government considered freezing public servant wages.
Victorian Legislative Council Member for Northern Victoria Tim Quilty called for politicians at all levels to take a 20 per cent pay cut.
"[It] would send out a positive signal that we are indeed all in this together," he said.
"By showing leadership and by accepting a bit of financial pain, politicians across all divides would send out a clear message that they're not all living in ivory towers and that they do understand the impact of some of their own decisions. But I won't hold my breath."
Member for Albury Justin Clancy said politicians need to lead by example and he would support a decision to cut federal or state politician wages during coronavirus.
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"I'd be comfortable with the government giving [pay cuts] consideration and would be supportive if a decision like that was made," he said.
In April, NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet advised he would recommend cabinet freeze public servants' wages, with the the exception of front-line health workers.
However in parliament on Tuesday the Treasurer would not repeat assurances that front-line workers would be immune from the freeze and receive their annual 2.5 per cent pay rise.
Mr Clancy said front-line workers had done great work during COVID-19.
"I also recognise that it is an extremely challenging time with 1.5 million workers out of work our government faces tough decisions," he said.
"I hope in making the tough decisions consideration will be there for front-line workers and what they're doing."
A representative for Victorian Member for Benambra Bill Tilley said he does not comment on pay matters.
Federally, Member for Indi Helen Haines said she would be happy to take a pay cut as thousands of employees already are, but it would only make a marginal difference to the budget's bottom line.
A former midwife herself, Dr Haines said front-line workers should be exempt from pay freezes.
"We need to keep those still employed in jobs spending to help our businesses come out of hibernation," she said. "This won't happen if we freeze their income."
Member for Farrer Sussan Ley did not specifically answer questions put to her office about potential pay cuts, but said the government was focused on how to get people, businesses and regional communities through this crisis.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
