Up next
Author
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
The prime minister has sought advice from the parliamentary expenses watchdog on the rules for taxpayer-funded perks, as a second federal minister refers themselves to the body over their travel.
Anthony Albanese said he asked the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) about a potential review of what travel arrangements are afforded to MPs and senators.
The use of parliamentary entitlements is under scrutiny following revelations about Communications and Sport Minister Anika Wells claiming expenses for major sporting events for herself and her husband.

A number of Members of Parliament and senators are now under scrutiny due to their utilization of travel allowances.

Albanese said he would take on recommendations from the expenses watchdog.
“I’ve said to IPEA, please give us some advice, and we’ll take that on board when that advice is received,” he told reporters on Friday.
“It’s important that as parliamentarians we’re not sort of deciding things for ourselves, because that would bring obvious criticism.”

Among them, Anika Wells has proactively submitted her travel expenses for examination by the oversight body, while Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has also requested a review of her travel-related expenditures.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has offered bipartisan support to reform travel perks for politicians.
Ley said she had written to Albanese requesting a meeting about changes to parliamentary travel entitlements and the ministerial code of conduct.

“We are prepared to collaborate in a bipartisan manner. I’m available throughout the summer and ready to meet with the prime minister at any time to discuss any proposals he might have for regaining public trust in the system,” she stated in an interview with Sky News on Friday.
“What I want to see is that public trust restored and public confidence in the system, and that’s clearly gone right off the rails under Prime Minister Albanese.”
The prime minister has not said whether he will take up the offer of talks.
Ley also called for Wells to resign as minister over her use of parliamentary entitlements.
Politicians are allowed to claim travel expenses if their official duties are the “dominant purpose” of the trip, and are also entitled to fly family to Canberra and other locations around Australia for family reunions.

Sussan Ley criticized Wells’ behavior and her use of travel privileges, labeling it as “scandalous.”

“The whole country is reeling from all of the information that they’ve received about what she has done. She has not shown an ounce of contrition. She has not stepped up and said sorry,” she said.
“If (the prime minister) can’t stand there and tell the Australian people that this minister has not breached the code of conduct, then she should resign.”
The parliamentary expenses watchdog was set up following controversy over Ley during her time as health minister, when she used taxpayer funds to travel to the Gold Coast to buy a property.

It led to Ley’s resignation as minister and MPs and senators being required to report their expenses on a monthly basis.

“I made a mistake, I put my hand up, apologised to the Australian people, I held myself accountable to the ministerial code of conduct. Anika Wells has done none of those three things,” Ley said.
Health Minister Mark Butler said travel entitlements needed to be reasonable and “used in a sensible way”.
“These rules are important. These jobs place enormous pressure on our families, particularly on our partners who do so much of family work while we’re away for as much as 150 or 200 days a year,” he told Seven’s Sunrise program.
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
You May Also Like
Rosina Gordon and her husband have raised their six children (two pictured here) in regional NSW.

Meet Rosina: The Australian Mom Defying Trends with Her Six-Kid Family

The cost-of-living crisis, rental and housing shortages, and the state of the…
Satya Perumal

Melbourne Father Faces Life-Altering Challenges Following Brutal Assault

A donut delivery driver has been left with serious injuries following a…
Crimestoppers exclusive

Unprecedented Surge in Tips Leads to Resolution of 300 Cases in Australian State

A record-breaking number of tip-offs has helped WA Police crack hundreds of…
NSW Police Assistant Commisioner Brett McFadden could not say why police wanted to stop the man.

E-Bike Crash Leaves Man in Critical Condition Amid Police Pursuit Allegations

A man has been left with serious head injuries after crashing his…
PM makes 'downpayment' on $30 billion shipyard to build nuclear submarines

Prime Minister Initiates $30 Billion Investment in Shipyard for Nuclear Submarine Production

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled a substantial investment to boost Adelaide’s…
Drenching continues for South-East Queensland

Persistent Rainfall Continues to Soak South-East Queensland

Queensland residents should brace themselves for another spell of wet weather, with…
Eleven days after Nancy Guthrie went missing from her Arizona home, new evidence and videos should be bringing authorities closer to finding the 84-year-old.

Police Conclude Nancy Guthrie Investigation Raids Without Making Arrests

A significant law enforcement operation in the southwestern United States aimed at…

Investigation Launched into NSW Police Conduct at Protest Following Witness’s Account of ‘Dark Moment

The NSW police oversight body is set to examine officer actions following…

Managing Stress During Lunar New Year: Essential Tips for Maintaining Mental Well-being

As the Lunar New Year draws near, many Asian Australian families are…
FILE - Former President Barack Obama talks with then President-elect Donald Trump as Melania Trump reads the funeral program before the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Barack Obama Criticizes Donald Trump for Controversial Video

In a recent interview, former US President Barack Obama criticized a controversial…

Fusion Flavors: How Glynn’s Weet-Bix Kimchi Mashup is Revolutionizing Breakfast and Korean Cuisine

Key Points A Korean Australian fermenter in regional Tasmania has created an…
Milo snack bars recalled over contamination alert

Urgent Recall: Contaminated Milo Snack Bars Pose Health Risk – What You Need to Know Now!

A popular snack often found in school lunchboxes is being pulled from…