Politicians’ travel perks for family members could soon be capped, following a review by the independent Remuneration Tribunal.
The Federal Government called for the review after several senior MPs came under public scrutiny about their travel expense claims.
Here’s what could change.
The rules
Politicians can be reimbursed for a range of work-related expenses under rules set in law, not by the IPEA.
Claims must be for “the dominant purpose of conducting parliamentary business,” use taxpayer funds “efficiently, effectively and economically,” and be incurred in good faith.
Politicians are also required to be personally responsible and accountable for their spending.
Travel is permitted for activities related to an MP’s electorate, ministerial role, political party, or parliamentary duties. All travel expenses must be reported to IPEA and are capped under a designated budget.
Until now, MPs could claim family travel between their home base and Canberra, including up to nine business-class return flights for a spouse and three economy-class return flights per dependent child.
They could also claim up to three business-class return flights for family members to accompany them on parliamentary business within Australia.
Travel saga
In December, several senior politicians came under scrutiny for reimbursed travel expenses.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported Sport Minister Anika Wells claimed more than $9,000 in business-class flights for her husband to attend three AFL Grand Finals.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland claimed almost $22,000 for a family trip to Western Australia. She has since agreed to repay part of that expense.
Trade Minister Don Farrell has spent more than $100,000 on flights for family members since 2022.
Changes
The matter was referred to the Remuneration Tribunal by the Federal Government late last year.
The Tribunal recommended:
- MPs only book family members’ flights in economy class.
- The same limits apply to all MPs, regardless of seniority.
- The Government limit MPs to one economy-class return flight per year for family members outside Canberra or their electorate.
- That the annual cap on reimbursable travel be calculated using economy-class return fares only.
For official Government functions and engagements, the tribunal recommended limiting MPs’ spouses to three economy-class return trips per year to attend government or parliamentary events.
It suggested ministers be entitled to three additional economy-class return trips for their spouses, provided their partner has been formally invited and the event relates directly to their official duties.
The Tribunal said it expects its recommendations to be implemented “as soon as practicable.”
