[user104658]

I can only reiterate that if someone creates their shortlist based predominantly on potential earnings, then they have a mercenary approach to careers.

That's not necessarily a bad thing; there's nothing wrong with having a goal of high earnings and the associated lifestyle. It however has absolutely no place in a political career and someone whose motivation is the numbers on their paycheque, will make a horrendous politician.

I'm not saying that they should get a pittance, I'm saying that if the salary is good enough to live a decent life (and one would assume that it is, given that it's TRIPLE what the govt. insists a family of 4 can live on) then it shouldn't be off putting for the sort of person who SHOULD be a politician - I.e. Someone so passionate about their politics that other careers aren't even on the radar.