Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has joined the ranks of ministers seeking scrutiny over their expenses, becoming the second government official to initiate an audit of her own spending, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese consults the independent expenses authority for guidance.
Today, Rowland disclosed her decision to have a $21,685 family trip to Western Australia reviewed by the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA).
In a statement this afternoon, Prime Minister Albanese confirmed he had reached out to IPEA for their expertise on the matter.
“It’s crucial for parliamentarians to avoid self-regulation in these cases to prevent any potential criticism,” Albanese remarked to reporters.
“I’ve requested IPEA’s advice. While at least two MPs have initiated audits of their own expense details, I’ve also urged IPEA to provide us with guidance, which we are prepared to consider,” he added.
Albanese did not specify the timing of his request to IPEA but mentioned that he has publicly sought their counsel.
“I have said that publicly and asked for that advice from IPEA,” he said.
The prime minister spent $30,253.08 on family travel expenses in the last financial year.
Out of all the parliamentarians, Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell charged taxpayers the highest amount of $45,926.84 in family travel during the same time.
