Premier Campbell Newman is on holidays and was not made aware of Crown law advice which led to state MPs receiving a $57,000 pay rise.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie also admitted on Tuesday the government did not investigate alternatives before awarding the increase.

Despite Treasurer Tim Nicholls repeatedly stating the matter was not a “priority” in the days after a News Limited story raised the issue, Mr Bleijie said Crown law advice delivered on Friday necessitated quick action.

“The issues were raised in the media, rightly so, I sought the advice from Crown law. I have acted on the advice from Crown law as soon as we got the advice,” Mr Bleijie said.