Jacinda Ardern and ministers take pay cut in solidarity with those hit by Covid-19

"Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, announced she and other lawmakers will be taking a 20% pay cut for the next six months in solidarity with those affected by the coronavirus. 

Ardern last week announced in New Zealand's daily Covid-19 press briefing that she, along with New Zealand's government ministers and public service chief executives, would be cutting their salary. 

She said this recognised the New Zealanders who were reliant on wage subsidies, taking pay cuts, and losing their jobs as a result of the global pandemic. 

Ardern acknowledged that while this action in itself would not change the government's financial position, she said it was about demonstrating leadership". 

SO WHY ARE AUSTRALIAN POLITICIANS NOT ACTING IN A WAY TO BE SEEN TO COMMISERATE WITH MILLIONS OF AUSTRALIANS WHO EITHER LOST THEIR JOBS, OR ARE TAKING SUBSTANTIAL PAY CUTS DUE TO COVID-19?