Albanese Proposes Overhaul of MP Travel Perks Amid Expenses Scandal to Boost Transparency

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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.

A woman speaks to someone off-screen while a man watches on.

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. This has sparked a broader discussion on the rules governing family travel for politicians.

In response, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken proactive steps by reaching out to the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority for guidance on the matter. Following this, he has also communicated with the independent Remuneration Tribunal, suggesting reforms that aim to address these concerns.

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.

One of Albanese’s key recommendations is to downgrade family travel from business class to economy, reflecting a move towards more economical use of public funds. Additionally, he has urged the tribunal to consider the unique circumstances faced by new parents or MPs with dependent children, ensuring that they are not unfairly burdened or disadvantaged by the system.

“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.