Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has taken a swipe at Opposition members over their apparent silence on the controversial “Greedy Bill”, suggesting they are no longer complaining because they are satisfied with the benefits.
Fraser made the pointed remarks in the House of Assembly while defending the Government during debate on electricity rates, as Opposition members raised concerns about the mounting cost-of-living pressure on residents.
“These are the same politicians who were out on the street during the last campaign talking about a Greedy Bill,” the Third District Representative declared. “I don’t hear them talking about it anymore because everybody seems to be happy. The bill wasn't greedy after all.”
The Deputy Premier argued that leadership requires courage and said critics attacking Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley should also acknowledge measures taken to assist pensioners.
“It’s called courage, having the courage to do something,” Fraser said.
The Retiring Allowances (Legislative Services) Amendment Act, 2021 earned the “Greedy Bill” label after granting lawmakers significantly enhanced retirement benefits, including lump-sum payments, gratuities and continued salaries after leaving office.
Following fierce public backlash and heated campaigning ahead of the 2023 General Election, lawmakers amended the legislation in September 2023 to remove some of its most controversial provisions.
However, benefits already acquired under the law were protected. In February 2024, the Premier disclosed that approximately $2.7 million was due to former legislators who were not returned to office in the 2023 election.
Fraser made the pointed remarks in the House of Assembly while defending the Government during debate on electricity rates, as Opposition members raised concerns about the mounting cost-of-living pressure on residents.
“These are the same politicians who were out on the street during the last campaign talking about a Greedy Bill,” the Third District Representative declared. “I don’t hear them talking about it anymore because everybody seems to be happy. The bill wasn't greedy after all.”
The Deputy Premier argued that leadership requires courage and said critics attacking Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley should also acknowledge measures taken to assist pensioners.
“It’s called courage, having the courage to do something,” Fraser said.
The Retiring Allowances (Legislative Services) Amendment Act, 2021 earned the “Greedy Bill” label after granting lawmakers significantly enhanced retirement benefits, including lump-sum payments, gratuities and continued salaries after leaving office.
Following fierce public backlash and heated campaigning ahead of the 2023 General Election, lawmakers amended the legislation in September 2023 to remove some of its most controversial provisions.
However, benefits already acquired under the law were protected. In February 2024, the Premier disclosed that approximately $2.7 million was due to former legislators who were not returned to office in the 2023 election.
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If we didn't have to pay for the Greedy Bill, we might be able to pay to fix the water