Cross-party support for Australian Governor-General’s 43% salary increase

The Australian government intends to raise the incoming governor-general’s salary by over $214,000, citing that Sam Mostyn—unlike her predecessors—will not be receiving a military pension, resulting in lower overall remuneration.

A Bill introduced to Parliament on June 24 proposes to raise the role’s salary from $495,000 to $709,017 (US$472,953)—a 43 percent increase.

Ms. Mostyn will be sworn in on July 1, and current regulations prevent adjusting the governor-general’s salary during their term, prompting the government to expedite the raise before she assumes office.

The opposition has indicated its support for the Bill, despite labeling it a “deep embarrassment for the government,” solely due to the rushed nature of the decision.

“The proposed salary is calculated based on the estimated average salary of the chief justice of the High Court of Australia over the hypothetical five-year term of the governor-general’s appointment,” Patrick Gorman, the assistant minister to the prime minister, clarified to Parliament.

“Past adjustments to the governor-general’s annual salary have been made when they were beneficiaries of other Commonwealth entitlements, such as a military pension. Since Ms. Mostyn does not receive such entitlements, the salary has been adjusted accordingly,” he added. No other MP spoke on the matter.

Subsequently, Mr. Gorman declined to disclose whether Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ms. Mostyn had discussed her salary before her acceptance of the position.

“As per convention, details of conversations between the prime minister and governor-general are not exchanged,” he stated.

According to the explained memorandum of the Bill, the Chief Justice of Australia’s salary, determined by the Remuneration Tribunal, is $649,880 annually.

Based on projected salary growth, it is anticipated to increase to $769,989 by 2029, with an average over a five-year period of $708,017. Governor-generals are typically appointed for a five-year term.

If the Bill is passed, Ms. Mostyn’s salary will surpass that of the prime minister, who currently earns around $607,471 per year, and the opposition leader at $432,239.

The position also includes free accommodation at Admiralty House in Sydney and Government House in Canberra. Additionally, a life-long pension of $424,422 will be available.

Mostyn’s Previous Political Views

Ms. Mostyn, 58, previously worked as a staffer for Paul Keating, later transitioning into a business role and serving on corporate boards. She was the first female commissioner of the AFL and has been a vocal advocate for climate, Indigenous, and feminist issues.

However, following her appointment, she has deleted several past social media posts, including one referring to Australia Day as “invasion day.”

She also supported The Voice referendum and advocated for Australia becoming a republic, a stance she maintained even when the referendum failed.

Her account on X has been deactivated.

Critic Points to Cost of Living Crisis

Isaac Jeffrey, the national director of the Australian Republican Movement, criticized the proposal in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

“Australians will question what they are receiving in return for a 42 percent pay rise for the next governor-general,” he expressed in a statement.

“It doesn’t represent the people, as the governor-general represents the King, not Australians.”

As documented in Hansard, Prime Minister Albanese previously condemned the $1,000-a-week pay raise received by former Governor General Michael Jeffery.

“The average Australian will be concerned about a bill increasing a salary by $55,000 in one go,” he remarked. “In contrast, 1.7 million low-wage earners were granted a pay rise of $15 to $17 per week in the most recent Industrial Relations Commission safety net wage adjustment.”