The Remuneration Tribunal has defended freezing pay for some of Australia's highest-paid public servants this year, saying a pay rise would complicate two major reviews into the fairness of their salaries.
Releasing its annual report on Monday, the tribunal - which sets base salaries for MPs, departmental secretaries, full-time public officials and judicial officers - said it had awarded no pay rises in 2026, the first time since the COVID era.
