Barnett defends MP superannuation surge

WA Premier Colin Barnett has defended a substantial superannuation increase for members of parliament, blaming a previous Labor government for the need to change it.

The Salaries and Allowances Tribunal determined on Wednesday the rate would rise to 15.4 per cent, while the basic salary would go up by 1.5 per cent, in line with inflation and the state government's wages policy.

Mr Barnett said the superannuation surge would bring state MPs up to the level of their federal counterparts, adding the changes addressed the different and "very clumsy" superannuation conditions set up by the Carpenter government.

"There are a few long-serving members of parliament, and I'm one, who are on the old scheme because we've been here for a long time," the Premier told reporters on Thursday.

"Newer MPs have a less generous scheme and I think this does bring it a little more into balance."

Mr Barnett also pointed out WA MPs didn't get a salary increase last year.

"I know no-one is sympathetic to members of parliament - I'm not calling for that - but there are some observations I'd make.

"MPs probably work at least 60 hours a week, they work night times, they work weekends, and quite correctly, they don't get overtime, they don't get shift allowances, they don't get long service leave."

SALARIES OF WA MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT:

Base remuneration for MPs $156,536 p/a

Premier $355,681 p/a

Deputy Premier $302,878 p/a

Leader of the Opposition $277,230 p/a