Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is among the highest-paid leaders in the developed world, but his pay packet is slimmer than some.
The prime minister pockets almost $550,000 a year, placing him fifth among global counterparts, AAP FactCheck has found.
In first place is Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong, who earns $2.29 million, including bonuses. The remuneration is based on the median income for Singapore’s top earners.
As of July 1, Morrison’s base salary was $211,250, plus an additional salary of $338,000, making for a gross $549,250, or $1505 a day.
Earlier this year Morrison batted away the idea of taking a temporary pay cut during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I'll just keep doing a good job, that’s my plan, and I will be accountable to Australians for that job,” he said.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who earns $441,724 per year, and her ministers took a 20 percent pay cut for six months to show solidarity with those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
TOP-PAID LEADERS OF THE DEVELOPED WORLD
1. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong $2.29m
2. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam $946,938
3. US President Donald Trump $614,175
4. German Chancellor Angela Merkel $568,132
5. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison $549,250
