Speaking exclusively to the Inverell Times yesterday, Mr Torbay defended the remuneration tribunal’s right to set the benefits and salary levels for MPs.

“The rise is still less than that given to the public service sector,” he said.

It is consistent with the CPI review over that period and after freezes on wages for a number of years it was, if anything, welcomed by the Northern Tablelands MP. “Politicians are not in this for the money,” Mr Torbay said.

“Their performances are monitored every four years by their communities so I am not at liberty to say who warrants it and who doesn’t.”

The three per cent rise comes after the Federal Government’s Remuneration Tribunal decided to hand a pay rise to MPs in Canberra.

Because the salary of a State MP is set at $500 less than a federal backbencher, that federal pay rise also applies to all State MPs.

The decision has been controversial because last year NSW, along with other States, decided to freeze the wages of State MPs, despite the tribunal’s decision.

NSW Premier Nathan Rees accepted this year’s pay rise following the tribunal’s recommendation.

Meanwhile, Mr Torbay has called upon the Government to do more in ensuring transparency with the public.

“People won’t frown over benefits provided they are clearly outlined and concise,” he said.

Premier Nathan Rees will receive $310,000 per annum plus benefits. His senior MPs will enjoy almost $252,000 per annum.