Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell will donate the pay rise awarded to Victorian politicians to local charity Warrnambool and District Food Share.
Ms Britnell said there was no way in good conscience she could keep the pay rise awarded to all Victorian MPs by the Independent Renumeration Tribunal.
“At a time when Victorians are still living under restrictions, small businesses are on their knees and individuals are out of work, I can’t think of any reason why I should keep this pay rise,” Ms Britnell said.
“I can’t refuse the pay rise under laws that govern this part of my role, but I can make a donation to a charity equal to the amount of the pay rise and that’s what I will do.
“I have chosen Warrnambool and District Food Share because that organisation is directly helping people who are struggling as a result of the pandemic and the four Victorian lockdowns.
“My team and I regularly volunteer at Food Share and have seen first hand the amazing work that is done to help people across the south-west region to put food on the table.”
Ms Britnell said she already makes regular contributions to organisations across the region and that would continue alongside this donation.
