Papua New Guineans are eager to know how much their Members of Parliament (MPs) are earning every fortnight, as taxpayers who fund their salaries.
Two articles on MPs' annual salary have gained significant attention on PNG Insight, with one dating back to December 2014 and the other to January 2015.
Are MPs the highest-paid public servants?
It is well known that MPs in Papua New Guinea are among the highest-paid public servants, along with other well-to-do officials like the Chief Justice and Chief Secretary.
Here, you'll find the base pay of MPs and calculate see much each MP would have earned every fortnight, based on the 2010 base pay and the over 80% increments over six years until 2016.
It's important to note that this calculation does not include allowances, perks, and privileges that MPs are entitled to, and only reflects their base salary.
Do PNG MPs need another pay increase?
So, the question arises: do MPs really need another pay increase? Let's examine the figures in the table below, which speak volumes:
The 111 MPs in Papua New Guinea share over K15 million (Kina) every year, which amounts to over half a million Kina every fortnight.
The Prime Minister earns the highest salary among MPs, making them likely the highest-paid public servant in the country, surpassing even the Chief Justice.
Provincial governors are at the bottom of the MPs' pay scale, earning five times less than the Prime Minister, at nearly K3000.00 every two weeks.
PNG Deputy Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader Salaries
The Deputy Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader earn approximately the same base pay. Nearly half (47.53%) of the total pay goes to the 33 government ministers.
At the current salary rate, over K75 million will be paid to these 111 MPs in the next five years.
This information sheds light on the significant earnings of Papua New Guinea MPs and raises the question of whether they truly need another pay increase.
It's worth considering whether these earnings are justifiable, especially in comparison to other public servants and the overall financial situation of the country.
PNG MPs Salaries increase with allowances and benefits
The information presented here only reflects the base salary of MPs, without accounting for the many allowances and benefits they receive as part of their roles.
While it's important to consider the work and responsibilities of MPs, it's also important to weigh their earnings against the overall financial situation of the country and the needs of its citizens.
The data presented here clearly show that MPs in Papua New Guinea are some of the highest-paid public servants in the country, with the Prime Minister earning the most.
Provincial governors, on the other hand, earn the least, which raises questions about the equity of pay distribution among MPs.
SomePNG MPs are significantly more valued than others
Nearly half of the total pay goes to government ministers, which suggests that some MPs are significantly more valued than the rest.
It's worth considering whether this pay distribution is fair and equitable, or whether it reinforces existing power structures and hierarchies within the government.
Final words...
In conclusion, this information provides valuable insight into the earnings of MPs in Papua New Guinea and raises important questions about pay distribution, equity, and the overall financial situation of the country.
As taxpayers, it's important for citizens to stay informed about how their money is being spent and to hold their elected officials accountable for their decisions.
I am pleased to announce to all our schools and school administrations throughout the country that the Department of Treasury has released the warrant for K75.4 million to complete the Tuition Fee Free payments for the second quarter or Term 2 of 2016. This latest payment brings the total TFF release to K301 million. I am thankful to the government for its commitment by giving priority to this key policy to ensure that every child receives a quality education. The Department of Education is now working on the payments to be deposited in the commercial banks. Schools will have access to their money by next week.
