Details of the quango consultancy contract paid to Senator David Burch have been released, revealing he more than halved his salary when he stepped down from the role and became Housing Minister. Sen. Burch told the Senate yesterday that of almost 100 Government contracts, this one had ?captivated the Opposition?s attention?.

Before releasing details, he said he was not going to speculate on the reason for such interest. ?I leave it for others to decide their motives,? added Sen. Burch. As quango tsar, Sen. Burch was paid $12,500 per month, he said, and for the 67 days the consultancy lasted he was paid a total amount of $26,346.16. After payroll tax and social and health insurance deductions that fell to $22,501.19.

He added: ?During the 45 working days of this contract, a total of 315 hours were required. During that period, a total of 611 hours were actually worked, almost double the minimum requirement.?

His contract ended when he joined the Cabinet.

And he pointed out that the gross Ministerial salary stands at $5,500 per month ? $66,000 per year, not including deductions ? which he said represented a salary reduction of more than 50 per cent from his $150,000 annual wage heading the quango.

He also confirmed all deductions have been paid. The Upper House also heard the Housing Minister was in the final stages of securing a replacement Quango Consultant, at a reduced monthly salary of $8,000, and the aim was to complete this process by today.

On hearing the senator?s revelations UBP leader Dr. Gibbons said: ?It is clear Lt. Col. Burch was trying to anticipate the questions put in at the House last Wednesday for answering this coming Friday when we hope the full answers will be given.?