A public sector union spokesperson has hit out at the system by which pay rises for Victoria’s politicians are granted.

Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) spokesperson Julian Kennelly says it “would be appropriate” for politicians to turn down the 3.5 per cent pay rise granted by the Victorian Independent Renumeration Tribunal.

“The government has been quite clever and set up a mates tribunal,” he told Neil Mitchell.

Press PLAY below to hear why the CPSU takes issues with the system