By political reporter Andrew Greene
Photo: Peta Credlin (right), with Tony Abbott and deputy chief of staff Andrew Hirst, has told senior staffers they will not be receiving a pay rise. (AAP: Alan Porritt)
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Some senior advisers in the Abbott Government are furious after being told by the Prime Minister's chief of staff that they will not be getting a pay rise.
That is despite their bosses receiving much larger salaries that come with moving from opposition into the ministry.
Several Coalition staff members have told the ABC's AM program it is another example of the power wielded by Peta Credlin in Tony Abbott's office.
AM has spoken to several disgruntled staffers who have accused the Prime Minister's Office of ruthlessly exercising power and "shafting" them.
After six years of hard work in opposition, they say they are now expected to take on more responsibility, much more work, many more hours with far more scrutiny and pressure - all without a pay rise.
"It's an appalling way to treat people," one very senior Coalition source said.
"Ministers get an automatic pay jump so they're all right.
"But financially cutting the throats of the staff they rely on is petty and stupid."
MPs are also furious that much of their work must be first vetted by the Prime Minister's Office, even the appointment of electorate staff.
But veteran political staffer and now Federal Liberal MP Peter Hendy denies Mr Abbott's office and Ms Credlin are acting unreasonably.
"This is the sort of claim you'll often get when a new government comes into power," he said.
"I think we've got a good balance and I think it's sensible for the Prime Minister's Office to oversight more carefully the transition to government, and then it'll get a bit easier as we go through."
Government's not just a holiday - or just a reward for opposition. It's a huge responsibility.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister
But a long-time Coalition staffer warns morale around Government ranks is "abysmal" and "resentment is festering".
He predicts a bonanza for reporters because "the joint will leak like a sieve".
A spokesperson for Mr Abbott denies there is widespread angst in Government ranks.
He told AM "there's got to be a balance. It's about rewarding people who've performed well".
"Government's not just a holiday - or just a reward for opposition. It's a huge responsibility," the spokesman said.
It is a position backed by Mr Hendy.
"Ministers and their staff, they're running the country, they're part of the executive," he said.
"The Prime Minister's Office has to have a very significant say in ensuring that we've got the best people to be servicing the ministers on their day-to-day work."
