Albanese forced to defend Anika Wells’ travel spending during under 16s social media ban victory lap

Anthony Albanese has declared “it’s a proud day to be the Australian Prime Minister” as he spruiks his government’s landmark social media ban for kids, while defending the conduct of his Communications Minister Anika Wells over a growing travel scandal.

On Thursday the The Nightly revealed Ms Wells had flown from Brisbane in August for a day of ministerial meetings in Sydney and then celebrated her own 40th birthday with friends, including the Prime Minister.

Following the overnight trip on August 15, the Minister charged taxpayers $1589.84 for a return flight from Brisbane and use of Commonwealth cars while working in Sydney.

Appearing on Sunrise to mark the beginning of the new restrictions for under 16s online, Mr Albanese said the regulations would improve the lives of Australian families, but he was also questioned about the use of taxpayer-funded entitlements by politicians.

“This is a reform that’s come from parents who had lost their young sons or daughters. It’s come from young people themselves. This is families taking back control,” Mr Albanese said of the ban, which has now come into effect.

“Parents are getting more peace of mind over what their young ones are looking at, but young people as well, being able to enjoy their childhood.”

Asked about revelations in The Nightly that Ms Wells had charged taxpayers at least $62,000 to attend more than 60 sporting events since becoming Sports Minister, the Prime Minister said she had broken no rules.

“(These are) rules that were put in place by the former government, after (then Health Minister) Sussan Ley had to resign as a minister after going to the Gold Coast to look at property issues.”

“These are arm’s length from the government and I think that’s really important. Anika Wells referred all of her expenditure to that independent authority to look at. That’s a good thing”.