MPs claim $8.7m for poll profile

THE Gold Coast’s four incumbent federal MPs claimed about $190,000 to communicate with voters during 2016 election campaign.

Forde MP Bert van Manen claimed $89,000 on communications during the six-week campaign, 61 per cent of his total claim for 2016, McPherson MP Karen Andrews $33,000 (52 per cent of her entire 2016 claim), Fadden MP Stuart Robert $39,000 (38 per cent of claim) and Moncreiff MP Steven Ciobo $26,000 (21 per cent of claim).

At the 2013 election, Mr van Manen claimed more than $95,000 on communication, Ms Andrews $109,000, Mr Robert $102,000 and Mr Ciobo $36,000.

Nationwide, federal politicians slugged taxpayers $8.7 million to bolster their 2016 election chances. Analysis of all 280 MP and senator expense claims lodged after the 2016 election found sitting politicians used a printing and communications fund to increase their public visibility.

The money was not available to those challenging sitting politicians.

Former Liberal MP Russell Matheson topped Australia, claiming $153,715 during the election.

There are no rules against parliamentarians using the printing and communications entitlement during election campaigns.

But experts have called for restrictions to be placed to stop politicians using taxpayer money to advertise themselves to voters, an advantage challengers do not have.

Mr van Manen said using the allowance to communicate with voters during a campaign was not prohibited.

“Communications met from the office budget can be for their own parliamentary or electorate business, but not for party or commercial business,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Mr Ciobo said the entitlement was used as designed to communicate with constituents. “Mr Ciobo communicates constantly and regularly with his electorate. In fact, most often outside of the campaign period.”

Ms Andrews said: “I come in under budget just about every six months.

“The communications costs for the election — most of the costs are distribution costs. What that says to me is that we should all be maximising electronic mediums whenever we can. However, the only way to guarantee we get to everybody is via direct mail and unfortunately that’s the most expensive way to do it.”

Mr Robert did not respond to questions.