Not sure about Australia, but in the US public salaries remain low at all levels of the government. A city councilor in Boston makes 100k, a US congressman/Sen

Not sure about Australia, but in the US public salaries remain low at all levels of the government. A city councilor in Boston makes 100k, a US congressman/Senator 174k. Considering the additional costs of campaigning, personal travel, and housing for a family - you're looking at a recipe for corruption for dollar amounts that can look like peanuts to experienced private sector employees.