I tend to agree that the base salary is ok for the time (most...

I tend to agree that the base salary is ok for the time (most work pretty long hours) and responsibilities. I'd even argue we should pay the PM and Cabinet Ministers more. But some of the perks are dodgy and need to be looked at, especially the double dipping on nights away from home:

SALARY
The base salary for backbenchers has been a world-leading $195,130 per annum since July 1, 2014. Ministers receive $307,329 and Cabinet Ministers $336,599. The Prime Minister’s salary is $507,338, the Deputy PM gets $400,016 and the Opposition Leader $360,990.
MPs also receive an electorate allowance of at least $32,000 (up to $46,000 for larger electorates) for costs incurred while performing official duties, including school visits, gifts to clubs and community groups, awards and other donations. The unspent amount is treated as taxable income.

NIGHTS AWAY FROM HOME
A travel allowance for official business varies per night from $273 for Canberra to $472 for Perth, and is not regarded as taxable income. The PM can claim up to $564 for each overnight stay in a place other than an official establishment or their home.
The “double-dipping” controversy centres on the ruling that allows ministers to keep tax-deductible second residences near Parliament House in Canberra, and claim a $1000-a-week travel allowance on top while staying there.
A deduction is allowable for all expenses relating to this property, including insurance, electricity and maintenance of the building, plants and grounds.

TRAVEL
MPs can claim for unlimited business class domestic flights for official business and a car with driver when travelling for official purposes.
They can claim a private-plated vehicle for work and personal use and charter flights if their electorate is larger than 10,000 square km.
Members can also claim overseas fares, transport, accommodation, meals, official hospitality, travel and expense advances, passport, equipment, medical, other related overseas travel costs for themselves and their employees.
This applies to ministerial visits, official visits, delegations and overseas study.

FAMILY TRAVEL
All MPs can claim nine business class return trips to Canberra for a partner and three for each child, and three business class interstate trips for partners and children.
Ministers can also claim unlimited travel for partners for official purposes.

GIFTS
Politicians can keep all gifts worth up to $300 from private or industry sources and $750 from official government sources.

OFFICES
MPs can claim for office facilities in their electorate, including maintenance, refurbishment and staff.
Up to $50,000 is allowed for “office requisites and stationery” per financial year, but many exceed $100,000 in “office administration” costs (on top of facilities and fit-outs).
This includes printing, stationery, software, publications and giving Australian flags to constituents.
Pollies can also claim for photographic services at Parliament House for those Instagrammable moments. All members can claim for two telephone lines, while specified office holders can also claim for mobile phone services.
A further $20,000 will be approved in case of an accident, such as a fire or flood.

SUPERANNUATION
MPs who joined parliament before 2004 receive 11.5 per cent of their salary for up to 18 years and 5.75 per cent after that, plus a lump-sum payment or pension based on years of service.
For those who joined after 2004, the government pays 15.4 per cent of their total salary into a superannuation fund of the MP’s choice.

RETIREMENT PERKS
MPs who joined parliament before July 2012 are entitled to a Life Gold Pass, which covers their travel within Australia for “non-commercial” purposes.
For those who are not eligible, post retirement (formerly called Severance) travel is available, which covers 10 trips.
Former MPs and senators elected before October 9, 2004 receive a “resettlement allowance” of three months’ basic salary if they have to retire involuntarily, plus another three months’ pay if they served more than one full term.
Former prime ministers are typically provided with “a number of facilities at the discretion of the prime minister of the day”, which have included car costs, office establishment and lease costs, fixtures, telecommunications, office stationery and publications.
http://www.news.com.au/national/fed...s/news-story/9fbdbb5e83cc058beb52979480f410a6