Scott Morrison dismisses idea of taking pay cut, vows to 'keep doing a good job'

The prime minister is digging in against calls to take a pay cut during the coronavirus crisis, arguing he is doing a good job.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the National Press Club in Canberra, Tuesday, May 26, 2020. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING

Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the National Press Club in Canberra, Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Source: AAP

Scott Morrison will not reconsider taking a temporary pay cut during the coronavirus pandemic.

The prime minister is sticking with a wage freeze that applies to all Commonwealth public servants.

Mr Morrison was on Tuesday asked whether he might take a hip-pocket hit to show Australians "we're all in this together", as he often declares.

"I have no plans to make any changes to those arrangements," he told the National Press Club in Canberra.

"I'll just keep doing a good job, that's my plan, and I will be accountable to Australians for that job."



New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her ministers have taken a 20 per cent pay cut for six months to show solidarity with those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

More than one million JobSeeker claims have been processed since the virus smashed the Australian economy, while 3.5 million workers have been forced onto JobKeeper wage subsidies.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits. Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia.

If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.


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