Pollie spending revealed
Our federal MPs’ printing and distribution costs taxpayers $277k
GEELONG’S federal politicians have billed taxpayers for a combined $277,000 in a year for printing and distributing promotional material by post and online, data from the parliamentary expenses authority shows.
The lion’s share came from Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson, who spent $237,300 — including $130,084 for distribution — in her 5441sq km electorate between July 2017 and June this year.
In the June quarter, Ms Henderson billed the taxpayer $120,770, including $37,247 for office facilities, $3135 for travel allowance and $4000 for employees’ domestic travel.
Her expense report released this week shows she spent $61,372 on printing and distribution of material by post and online between December 7 and June 18.
Ms Henderson said she ran a “very frugal” office and was extremely careful with her expenses.
“Communicating with and listening to Corangamite residents is a key part of my role. My recent publications include an Anzac commemorative brochure and an electorate-wide newsletter,” she said.
“I issue a regular eNews and am very keen to communicate with more people electronically. Anyone who wishes to receive electronic communications should email me.”
Meanwhile, Corio MP and Opposition defence spokesman Richard Marles billed taxpayers for $39,799 for printing, online communication and distribution in the past year.
Mr Marles whose electorate is 773sq km in area said: “I communicate with my constituents in the manner that suits them best.
“Many constituents prefer electronic means, but many others prefer letters and other printed information.”
Expense reports issued by the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority show Mr Marles billed the taxpayer for $15,500 in distribution costs between July last year and June.
He claimed $5572 in travel allowance for the June quarter and billed the taxpayer for almost $22,000 in domestic travel during the same period.
“Being the Shadow minister for defence is a job with national responsibilities that require me to travel around Australia and at times overseas. Often that involves staff travel as well,” Mr Marles said.
His latest expense report shows he has also spent $2133 on buying flags for community groups and schools.
Other expenditure billed in the June quarter includes: $16,261 by Victorian Senator Kim Carr for domestic travel and $46,284 by Victorian Senator Jacinta Collins for printing and communications.