Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has defended pay rises for government staffers, despite limited wages growth in the broader community

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has defended pay rises for government staffers, despite limited wages growth in the broader community. Taxpayers are reportedly meeting an 840-thousand dollar bill for pay top-ups authorised by Mr Turnbull for political staffers in his government. Media reports suggest Mr Turnbull has personally intervened to give wage boosts to 30 government staffers. Mr Turnbull hasn't denied the story and has moved to justify the top ups.