GORDON’S AIR MILES

MEMBER for Cook Billy Gordon has become Queensland’s highest flying state MP, charging taxpayers nearly $64,000 on airfares last financial year.

A report tabled in Parliament shows the independent politician racked up extensive mileage flying throughout his Cape York and Torres Strait electorate between July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017.

The annual report shows other high-flyers were Warrego MP Ann Leahy ($62,650.24), Gregory MP Lachlan Millar ($44,936.78), and Mount Isa MP Robbie Katter ($44,615.93).

Mr Gordon’s most expensive journey took place from October 6-10, 2016 when he flew between Horn Island, Darnley Island, Napranum and Weipa.

The four day trip cost taxpayers $27,554.72.

In comparison, for the whole 2015-16 financial year, Mr Gordon spent a total $14,294.45 on airfares.

In a statement, Mr Gordon refuted that the total $63,996.97 he claimed on air travel was a high amount, saying it was well within his annual entitlement and calculated based on previous experiences of the past 10 years.

“The Cook electorate is one of the largest in Queensland,” he said.

“It has the only international border in Queensland.

“In the last 12 months, independent MPs have played an important role in ensuring clarity in the house on matters affecting North Queensland and this has been due to close engagement and collaboration.

“My bills before Parliament have been put before me, with serious implications and policy impact on the Cook and adjacent areas.

“Hence, it has been my duty to ensure I engage with the wider electorate and with fellow MPs, including ministers, as appropriate.”

He said his job had been a fulfilling role.

Barron River MP Craig Crawford spent $5368.26 on airfares, Hinchinbrook MP Andrew Cripps spent $11,836.81 and Dalrymple MP Shane Knuth spent $31,310.55.

Neither Cairns MP Rob Pyne nor Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt claimed airfares under the general travel allocation.