An ABC analysis of Victorian MPs’ travel claims lodged with parliament for 2023 shows that while the majority did not access an annual international travel allowance of $10,765, dozens did.
In the 2022-23 financial year, parliament paid out $204,660 in international travel allowances, and a further $287,013 in domestic travel allowances.
International travel allowance claims lodged with the state parliament show India and China were a popular destination on both sides of politics.
Parliamentary allowance records show that shadow arts minister David Davis charged taxpayers nearly $10,000 for a European tour that included visits to Thessaloniki, Athens, Crete, Milan, Paris and London where he “met government, regional, municipal and gallery officials”.
Labor MPs also made several overseas trips in 2023.
Upper house MP Lee Tarlamis made two trips to India – one costing $4689 and another $6971– “to strengthen the relationship between Victoria and India”.
Warragul-based Liberal MP Wayne Farnham flew to Phuket to see the impact of Thailand’s decriminalisation of cannabis. He claimed $3340 for the trip.
Monash University political expert Zareh Ghazarian said travel allowances were a double-edged sword with obvious benefits to improve learning and understanding as long as it was done properly.
“The question is does it pass the pub test? So, it’s up to the MP that it does,” Dr Ghazarian said.
What’s your view on politicians and their travel allowance? Is there enough scrutiny?
.
