Australia’s senior politicians can claim ‘unlimited’ travel expenses for their spouse, watchdog rules say
AI Summary
Australian senior politicians, including ministers, can claim unlimited travel expenses for their spouses, according to the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) guidelines. This revelation comes amidst controversy surrounding the expenses claimed by Communications Minister Anika Wells and growing calls for reform. While backbenchers have limited travel allowances, senior office holders face no cap on spousal travel costs, even allowing spouses to travel independently to engagements. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the current system, citing the IPEA's independent oversight, despite criticism and a ministry meeting convened in Sydney ahead of a Labor fundraiser, enabling interstate ministers to claim travel expenses. The IPEA Act governs these expenses, with an explanatory document revealing the unlimited spousal travel entitlement for senior office holders.
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