Backbenchers would see their average pay rise from $141,000 to $185,000.
The tribunal says, that despite the global financial crisis, there's never a right or wrong time for this move.
It also says many MPs are never really off duty thanks to the advent of social media and email, making them more accessible to their constituents.
But let's compare this pay to that of an AFL player for example.
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Negotiations between the AFL and AFL Players Association ended today which will see the average player's wage reach $300 by 2016, that's around 40 per cent more than a federal backbencher.
So who do you think should get paid more someone who represents your electorate in government, or someone who represents your region in sport?
