Gak I always thought NZ elections were the ideal for a democratic government. Because of the smaller population and higher educational standards (per capita) it would seem you really get the best as opposed to Australia getting the least worst. Maybe that is changing.
It makes me cringe to think that Kevin and Juliar will be paid handsomely for the rest of their lives. I accept that an ongoing pension for politicians is required but the amounts are insane.
"Each former PM is entitled to at least two staff, including a senior private secretary, and the annual wages bill of each is nearly $300,000.
The former PMs also have their home and mobile phone bills paid by taxpayers, as well as unlimited allowances for publications, a private self-drive car, and air fares for them and their spouse.
These are in addition to their pensions under the generous former Parliamentary superannuation scheme, which gives them a pension indexed to current MPs' salaries for life.
Each PM can usually expect to receive about 70 per cent of the incumbent's salary, unless they chose to take a lump sum on retirement.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard's was on $370,000, making the indicative pension for each former PM $250,000 a year.
The figures were supplied by the Department of Finance using Freedom of Information laws and cover a 30-month period from December 1, 2007, to May 31, 2010.