BASS Liberal MHR Andrew Nikolic says a pay rise to defence personnel is ‘‘appropriate and affordable’’, but independent Senator Jacqui Lambie says it’s a desperate attempt to save the Prime Minister’s career.
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The federal government yesterday announced that it would offer Australian Defence Force members a 2 per cent wage increase.
Mr Nikolic said there had been a level of anxiety and concern within the defence community since an offer of 1.5 per cent had been made in November.
‘‘I thought this was appropriate, affordable and struck the right balance in recognising the unique nature of the uniformed service and the families that support them,’’ Mr Nikolic said.
‘‘There are some who think they should advocate with nasty media releases, but what I’ve tried to do is evidence-based advocacy that demonstrates what has actually occurred and proposes solutions.’’
Senator Lambie – who made ADF pay a focal point of her first year in the Senate – welcomed the announcement, but said it was a desperate attempt to save the career of Prime Minster Tony Abbott.
Senator Lambie had refused to pass any government legislation until the offer was improved.
‘‘Tony Abbott may try and make political mileage out of this announcement for his Liberal members of Parliament, but the Australian people are smart enough to make their own minds up about why he backflipped,’’ Senator Lambie said.
‘‘The people who deserve credit are all the Tasmanians who have contacted my office and encouraged me to fight for our Diggers.’’
