Families of politicians could be downgraded to economy class flights and largely restricted to flights between Canberra and the MP’s local area.
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.
“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 from Brisbane to Melbourne for three AFL grand finals and the Australian Open tennis, as well as taking her family to the snow while claiming family reunion flights.
Sports Minister Anika Wells has faced criticism for using taxpayer funds to cover her husband’s travel expenses to attend three AFL grand finals and the Australian Open tennis.
In response to the backlash, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reached out to the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority for guidance. Following this, he has communicated with the independent Remuneration Tribunal, proposing potential changes based on their recommendations.
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, Albanese recommended.
In his proposal, Albanese suggested that family travel should be reclassified from business class to economy class to reduce costs.
“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.
