People might be surprised at how much it costs to move our politicians around the country. That said, 76 flights in 15 months at an average of $1k a pop does indeed sound excessive. And that was up to July - before all the Voice stuff took off.
Her predecessor, Sam McMahon, was frequently parliament’s biggest spender on travel and accommodation. But not even McMahon, who racked up about $18,000 worth of airline bills in her last nine months as a senator (the only data still publicly available) flew at the rate Price did.
That gives us a baseline to compare. Sam McMahon spent about $2k a month on flights and was about the biggest spender on travel. Jacinta Price is spending about $5,100 a month. It’s probably worth putting a cap on politician travel allowances. I’m doubtful that all of those 76 flights were strictly necessary. But I’m not too scandalised at this point.
Bronwyn Bishop spent $5k on a single chartered helicopter to fly her 80km after all (she had to pay that back after a few eyebrows were raised).
People might be surprised at how much it costs to move our politicians around the country. That said, 76 flights in 15 months at an average of $1k a pop does indeed sound excessive. And that was up to July - before all the Voice stuff took off.
That gives us a baseline to compare. Sam McMahon spent about $2k a month on flights and was about the biggest spender on travel. Jacinta Price is spending about $5,100 a month. It’s probably worth putting a cap on politician travel allowances. I’m doubtful that all of those 76 flights were strictly necessary. But I’m not too scandalised at this point.
Bronwyn Bishop spent $5k on a single chartered helicopter to fly her 80km after all (she had to pay that back after a few eyebrows were raised).