The PM’s $750k expense hangover

Anthony Albanese billed taxpayers almost $754,000 in the first three months of 2023, freshly released data reveals.

The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority on Thursday published details of how much each MP, senator, and some former parliamentarians and prime ministers spent in the first quarter of 2023 – more than a year after the fact.

It follows a vow from the government in December to do more to improve transparency around the data.

The Prime Minister spent $181,299.32 on international travel, $6474.22 on family travel and $481,236.28 on employee travel.

An unscheduled visit to Fitzroy Crossing from Broome on January 9 last year cost taxpayers $6927.28, when Mr Albanese travelled to the town after it became isolated by flooding.

Peter Dutton was the next biggest spender in the quarter, charging a $552,165.15 bill.

More than $28,000 was spent on scheduled commercial transport, while $371,000 was spent on employee travel.

Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek was the biggest-spending minister at $390,495.24 for the quarter.

She spent more than $17,600 on international travel and $7797.56 on scheduled commercial transport.

Her car costs came in at $8145.90, including $2362.34 for a private plated vehicle.

She spent $27,374.53 on printing and communications during the quarter.

Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh spent $362,096.93 during the quarter.

Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell charged taxpayers $351,138.05, and had the second-highest international travel bill of $61,076.70.

Rounding out the top 10 spenders, NDIS Minister Bill Shorten’s expenses came in at $349,663.55; Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen spent $332,745.75; Nationals Leader David Littleproud at $329,908.91; Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong with $329,714.95; and Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley who spent $328,236.37.