'i'm No Fat Cat' Mp Clarifies Complaint

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday June 18, 2008

By JULIEANNE STRACHAN

STATE member for Swansea Robert Coombs has said he's no fat cat and acknowledged he receives a good wage, after Herald readers lashed out at allowance increases for politicians.

Some residents have been outraged by the idea of Hunter MPs crying poor, saying a recent 14 per cent increase in politicians' overnight "Sydney allowance" was out of step with the rest of the community.

Mr Coombs said his comments in Monday's Herald that it was "nearly impossible to feed and house yourself" referred to the cost of staying in Sydney hotels.

He said finding accommodation near Parliament House on the old MPs' allowance of $206 a night was sometimes difficult.

Mr Coombs said public sector employees received $280 a night to stay in Sydney.

The Herald has found a number of places Hunter MPs can stay at within walking distance or a short drive of Parliament. Some would even leave MPs with change.

The Macleay Lodge at Potts Point will do a single room for $60 a night, or the Ibis Hotel, Darling Harbour, will offer a standard room at $159 a night.

To help MPs stretch their dollars further, the NSW Parliamentary cafeteria offers fairly cheap food, with yesterday's takeaway fish and chips for one costing $8.80.

Mr Coombs said he had not meant to cry poor and said the $126,560 state politicians were paid was "more than adequate".

He said Labor MPs had voluntarily accepted a wage freeze from July 2008.

He said he often donated money from his electoral allowance, which is expected to rise 4.2 per cent, to non-profit and charitable groups.

WHERE TO STAY

? Hotel Formule 1 Sydney Airport, $104 a night, most nights, $99 on cheaper nights.

? The De Vere Hotel, Potts Point, short walk from city centre, $129 a night.

? Sydney Central on Wentworth, single non-smoking $85 a night.

? Macleay Lodge, Potts Point, single room $60 a night.

? Ibis Hotel, Darling Harbour, standard room $159 a night.

? Y Hyde Park, Sydney, single room $122 a night.

? Macquarie Boutique Hotel, Sydney, single room $79.

? TO EAT

NSW Parliament Cafeteria offers hot lunches, average price $8.80; breakfast (toast and fruit) $4; dinner $8.80; coffee $3.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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