Government to Restrict MPs' Family Travel Entitlements Following IPEA Advice
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that MPs' family travel entitlements will be wound back following advice from the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA).
IPEA provided its advice on the weekend of 13 December, and the Remuneration Tribunal will review and implement the changes, with its next meeting scheduled for January.
Under the new rules, MPs can claim travel expenses for their partners only between home and Canberra and within the MP's electorate or the senator's state. Spouses must travel in economy class.
Spouses and family members will no longer be eligible for travel claims between home and other locations within Australia.
Current entitlements had allowed nine business-class flights for spouses to Canberra, up to three business-class flights within Australia, and unlimited travel for senior office holders.
The changes aim to curb travel entitlements and require that travel be connected to official duties and invitations related to the senior office holder's portfolio.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the changes are not unilateral and will be considered by the Remuneration Tribunal, describing the process as being at arm's length.
Additionally, Minister Michelle Rowland repaid about $10,000 after IPEA advised that part of a family-reunion trip fell outside of the guidelines. The total cost of the trip was around $22,000, with full details to be publicly released later.
