SHOCKING leaked messages have revealed a top diplomat complaining his £350,000 salary is not enough to live on in London.
WhatsApp messages reveal that Agent-General Stephen Cartwright, an Australian trade envoy, claimed his salary was insufficient to support his family’s lifestyle.
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Mr Cartwright, representing Australia’s New South Wales state in the UK, continues to claim that other trade ministers also get more benefits.
The messages were seen byThe Sydney Morning Herald, Mr Cartwright wrote on March 23: “All other AGs and Fed Govt execs have rent, car and school fees covered by their govt.”
After securing the London-based top job last October, Mr Cartwright reportedly listed some entitlements that representatives from other Australian states received while they were overseas.
Mr Cartwright wrote: “The WA Govt is paying 13,500 pounds per month rent – that’s more than my entire net salary!”
He insisted. “something has to be done”This suggests that he would need time to reflect on his future in the Agent General role.
According to the Herald, he then wrote: “I have had two offers for CEO roles back in Sydney but I would rather stay here and deliver for NSW.
“But I can’t live here for 3 years without an apartment that can accommodate my family (at least on school holidays as the school fees here are twice that of Knox).
“Happy to discuss over the phone if you would prefer but something has to be done.”
Mr Cartwright, who is the former CEO of lobby group Business NSW, secured the lucrative role late last year, and negotiated to be paid £350,000 a year – which included expenses and was higher than any other trade minister’s salary.
After it was revealed that he had been raised as a candidate in February 2021, while another candidate was already selected and was engaged in salary negotiations, his appointment was questioned.
The NSW Parliamentary Inquiry was heard from Dr Marianne Broadbent. She is the Managing Partner at NGS Global. Former secretary to NSW Treasury Michael Pratt requested that her firm interview Mr Cartwright.
Mr Cartwright emerged the top candidate for the job and engaged in prolonged salary negotiations with Dr Broadbent & Investment NSW.
Inquiry heard that former Trade Minister John Barilaro had assured Mr Cartwright and former NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet he would receive generous allowances in addition to his base salary.
After suggesting a salary in the ballpark of $800,000, Mr Cartwright ultimately negotiated a package of $600,000 per year, which included expenses and was higher than any other trade minister’s salary.