Labor received a potentially explosive review of politicians’ entitlements prior to the election but failed to release it.
It is understood to propose a $50,000 jump in MPs’ base salary, while perks such as study tours and electorate allowances would be scrapped.
Campaigning in Townsville yesterday, Ms Gillard refused to buy into the debate over politicians’ entitlements.
“I can understand that some community members look at politicians and think they earn too much,” she said.
“I also believe that we want to make sure that we are bringing into politics the best people and that does mean you have to pay people.”
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Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has previously complained about the relatively low pay of politicians compared with chief executives and other professionals.
Former prime minister John Howard axed the lucrative defined-benefit superannuation scheme for politicians elected after 2004, following pressure from then-Labor leader Mark Latham.
Four retirees are “newbies” who miss out on the political retirement perks.
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