MP travel bills under microscope as new laws leave no exceptions

Opposition and government MPs alike will have a stack of new paperwork to do before they travel anyone on the taxpayers’ dollar under new laws in SA.

State government ministers and senior opposition members will have to be more transparent about their travel under new laws.

They will have to prepare a report within 45 days setting out the details of the travel including the reasons for it, period of the trip and summary of activities undertaken.

Leaders and deputy leaders of the opposition in both houses will have to abide by the same rules.

Deputy Premier Susan Close/ Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

Reports must also include details of the total cost of travel, broken down into airfares and other transport, accommodation, food and beverages, and any other costs.

They must include details of any public sector employee or any ministerial adviser that accompanies a minister, with a separate breakdown of costs for each person.

All receipts must accompany reports, which must be tabled in parliament within six sitting days after they are prepared.

“Our government seeks to hold the highest standards when it comes to disclosure, transparency and accountability,” Acting Premier Susan Close said.

The Advertiser has revealed eye-watering bills for several recent ministerial trips.