Anthony Albanese to tighten MPs’ family travel entitlements after backlash over taxpayer-funded holidays
Families of politicians could be downgraded to economy class flights and stopped from claiming taxpayer-funded trips to major sporting events.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has moved to restrict family reunion travel entitlements for MPs following weeks of backlash around ministers charging the public purse to fly spouses to grand finals and private holidays.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland paid back about $10,000 after charging taxpayers more than $20,000 for family travel to Perth for a week-long holiday in 2023 following ministerial engagements in the west.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“I received advice from the Independent Authority that a portion of that, for one use two and a half years ago was outside the guidelines,” she told ABC radio on Tuesday.
“So, I sought advice on that and repaid that amount.”
Sports Minister Anika Wells also came under fire for flying her husband to numerous grand finals and the Australian Open, as well as taking her family to the snow while claiming family reunion flights.
Mr Albanese wrote to the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority seeking advice and had now written to the independent remuneration tribunal with recommendations for changes that advice was received.
The tribunal sets politicians wages and entitlements.
“It is appropriate that we have an arm’s length process on these matters,” Mr Albanese told reporters in Canberra.
Family travel should be downgraded from business class to economy, he said he recommended in his letter.
Flights should also be restricted to between Canberra and the MP’s local area, effectively removing access to nationwide entitlements, he said.
But spouses or partners of senior office holders should be able to claim flights to events they are invited to that directly relate to a minister’s portfolio or parliamentary duties, Mr Albanese recommended.
The prime minister also called for the tribunal take into account the circumstances of new mothers or fathers, or MPs with children who are dependents, to make sure parents aren’t disadvantaged.
“We want a parliament that reflects Australia in all its diversity,” he said.
“That includes the fact that this parliament looks very different from what it did when I came here in 1996 - that’s a good thing.”
The tribunal will consider the recommendations in early January.
