TAS: Next Tasmanian governor up for a $100,000 pay cut

AAP General News (Australia)
08-25-2004
TAS: Next Tasmanian governor up for a $100,000 pay cut

Former Tasmanian governor RICHARD BUTLER is likely to receive his $650,000 golden handshake
within the week -- and his successor is in line for a $100,000 pay cut.

The state opposition and Tasmanian Greens both moved censure motions in parliament
yesterday against Premier PAUL LENNON's handling of Mr BUTLER's resignation.

Opposition Leader RENE HIDDING says what Mr BUTLER will receive for 10 months of inadequate
service is more than most Tasmanians could expect in superannuation after a lifetime of
work.

But the state government has tabled an auditor-general's report backing the propriety
of the payment.

And it has introduced a bill to slash the vice-regal salary from $370,300 a year to $264,500.

Mr BUTLER handed in his notice on the advice of Mr LENNON, citing a malicious campaign
against him that was threatening to besmirch Tasmania's good name.

He left Government House a week ago, but is still waiting on his severance pay.

A successor hasn't been named.

AAP RTV las/mj/jo/ea/rp

KEYWORD: BUTLER (HOBART)

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