Remuneration Tribunal tasked for revision of MPs remuneration in Cook Island

Contrary to speculations, there has been no hike in the remuneration for Members of Parliament in the Cook Island. Deputy Prime Minister Mark Brown informed the house. The Parliament, after 14 years, was going through a review of MP's remuneration and allowances.

However, the government has agreed to the concerns of the MPs and referred the matter to Remuneration Tribunal for recommendations. The Tribunal is an independent panel of private sector individuals tasked with providing Parliament with recommendations.

Brown believes the remuneration of the MPs needs to be upgraded. "It initially came about as a result of housing rental market is out of reach of the current housing allowance for MPs particularly from the outer islands. It was costing MPs money to be able to do their job in representing their constituency. A subsequent comparison of total remuneration with the general public service found that Parliament was lagging behind the public service and totally outdated in other areas. A look at the Public Service Act will see a requirement for a fair employer provision. These should also apply to MPs as public servants."

According to the Civil List Act 2005, the prime minister gets an annual salary of US$69,000 while the deputy prime minister receives US$63,000. The ministers, speaker of Parliament and Leader of the Opposition receives US$56,000 each. Deputy Opposition Leader, Leader of the House, Whips and associate ministers each receive US$33,000 salary and US$3,326 allowance. The MPs are also paid US$33,000 each per annum.