An estimated extra million dollars spent on the Premier’s and Ministers’ political advisors; Premier says these individuals “make significant sacrifices” to support the work of Ministers
Premier David Burt has explained an extra million taxpayer dollars in spending on Ministers’ political advisors.
He says these individuals make significant sacrifices, while citing his own time in such a role under Premier Paula Cox.
After winning the February 2025 election, the PLP Government appeared to have at least doubled the cost of personal staff within Ministries.
For the year ending March 2026, $1.78 million dollars had been spent on personal staff for the Premier’s Office, Ministers, and also the Opposition Leader.
For the year ending March 2026, $1.78 million dollars had been spent on personal staff for the Premier’s Office, Ministers and the Opposition Leader.
This is up from an estimated $838 thousand reported in 2023/2024, and $774 thousand in 2024/2025 – although the annual cost of hourly staff was not recorded in previous reports, leaving the exact cost unclear.
The bulk of the recent increase comes from extra hiring within Cabinet ministries.
Some roles appear to have received a salary increase, while three roles in the Premier’s office, and three Minister’s advisors, earned between $120- and $145-thousand for the year.
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