Federal member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters has called Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Federal Government "mean" for deferring general wage increases for Commonwealth Public Servants for six months.
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Ms Chesters says a scheduled two per cent pay rise in November has been deferred until May 2021.
"This decision is a real kick in the guts for those working so hard to protect the safety and welfare of central Victorians during the coronavirus pandemic," Ms Chesters said.
Liberal Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson has fired back, calling on Ms Chesters to stop her political grandstanding.
"The wage of every single Federal judge, member of parliament and public servant has been frozen," Ms Henderson said.
"When so many Australians are losing their jobs or being stood down as a result of this pandemic, this is completely appropriate."
Ms Chesters says freezing wages will not help the government's budget line, but will affect tens of thousands of family budgets across the country.
"I call on Victorian Senators to stand up for our local workers," Ms Chesters said.
"They should pick up the phone and ask the Prime Minister to reverse this mean decision."
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ben Morton deferred general wage increases for Commonwealth Public Servants for six months last week.
"While communities are doing it tough, it's important the Australian Public Service helps share the economic burden," Mr Morton said.
"Our expectation is to return to what has been a very successful public sector wages policy as soon as it is possible."
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