Australia’s six former prime ministers cost taxpayers about $1.6 million in 2022, and that’s before the more considerable costs of their staff – two advisers and an executive assistant – were factored in.
“For what it’s worth, I think it was a pity the old pension scheme was abolished, especially for former ministers,” Abbott told this masthead.“Some financial security for former ministers is important if we’re not to risk governmental decisions being made with at least one eye towards future job prospects.”
“The issue is former ministers from both sides of politics being parachuted into high-paid lobbying roles in the private sector,” he said. Any move to restore the old scheme would not benefit Abbott as he, like Howard, Keating, Rudd and Gillard, is already on it.