Pay backing for Timor troops

A parliamentary committee has recommended that the Government increase allowances and salaries for soldiers serving in East Timor.

New Zealand soldiers' poor pay in comparison with their Australian counterparts in the United Nations peacekeeping force has been a bone of contention.

The New Zealanders are paid daily allowances of $US40 ($100) while Australian troops get $US125 tax free.

The foreign affairs, defence and trade select committee said in its report tabled yesterday that Australian and New Zealand troops were among those bearing the greatest risks in East Timor.

Their inter-operability and camaraderie contributed to the success of the deployment.

The committee did not want a disparity in their terms and conditions to affect that.

- NZPA

Herald Online feature: Timor mission

UN Transitional Administration in E Timor