Eleven federal public servants in Australia were paid more than A$1 million last year, with one individual receiving a A$1.5 million package. This remuneration, which includes bonuses and allowances, is more than double Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s A$622,000 salary.
These staff are employed by Australia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Future Fund, and are responsible for its A$350 billion investments. Their pay emerged after Greens senator Barbara Pocock questioned the high remuneration in parliament.
The Minister for the Public Service, Katy Gallagher, stated that the fund operates in a “highly competitive global market” and that the wages are necessary to attract talent. The Future Fund reported a 14.8% return in the 12 months to June 2026, adding A$37.4 billion to its investment portfolio.
Senator Pocock criticised the payments, questioning their value for money during a cost-of-living crisis and amid job cuts across the public service, including in several government departments and the National Disability Insurance Agency.