Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:56p.m.
A bill that stops MPs being given a pay rise if they don't want one was passed by Parliament tonight.
The law has been changed because the Remuneration Authority, which is independent, said it had no option but to award pay rises.
The Remuneration Authority Amendment Bill was drafted and introduced, although earlier this month the authority changed its mind about its powers and said it had got the message.
It decided MPs wouldn't get a pay rise this year because of tough economic circumstances.
That was after MPs passed a unanimous resolution saying they didn't want one.
Now the matter is settled, and the authority can take economic circumstances into account when it sets MPs pay levels.
NZPA