Anthony Albanese’s travel bill unveiled in new report following missed Trump meeting

The prime minister amassed a huge travel bill in his first term in office, with the Opposition maintaining Albanese should have been channelling some of that money into meeting with US President Donald Trump.

A late-year blast of international travel in 2024 for Anthony Albanese ahead of the federal election cost taxpayers more than $250,000, taking the Prime Minister’s total bill for overseas trips to more than $1.9m in his first term of government.

The latest figures released by the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority take the cost of the PM’s major trip to summits in Peru and Brazil last year to $269,157.96.

A large part of the cost of the trip was staff travel expenses, which came in at $76,248.66.

The latest expense reports take the bill for the PM’s international travel – including the staff and advisers that travel with him – to slightly more than $1.9m for the last term of government.

The Coalition, which has increasingly pressured Mr Albanese to secure an upcoming meeting with Donald Trump after the US President suddenly left the G7 summit ahead of a forecast meeting, said that had to be a top priority among the PM’s travel.

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney with Australian Prime Minister Anthony in Calgary. Picture: Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP

“It’s a shame none of that money has been spent on securing a meeting with a very important ally, in the president of the United States,” Coalition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan said.

The Prime Minister has ramped international travel back up following May’s election, visiting seven countries so far in 2025.

The Albanese Government has maintained a key focus of his first term was reopening trade with countries, including China, where $20bn worth of trade bans have been lifted by Beijing.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has racked up over $1.9 million in travel bills since he came into government. Picture: Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press via AP)

A government spokesman said “The Prime Minister engages in international forums in Australia’s national interest”.

“Strengthening our international relationships means more jobs for Australians, given one in four Australian jobs are connected to trade. Global dialogue and engagement also enhances regional security and co-operation among our neighbours and allies,” he said.

“The government is always careful about expenditure and ensures value for money for the Australian people at all times.”

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