Gold Coast politics: Assistant Treasurer Stuart Robert to repay $20,000 for internet usage

UNDER-FIRE Gold Coast MP Stuart Robert has told the Gold Coast Bulletin he will repay an eye-watering amount of money he charged taxpayers for his home internet usage after an investigation was launched by the Prime Minister.

UNDER-FIRE Gold Coast MP Stuart Robert will repay more than $20,000 he charged taxpayers for his home internet usage after an investigation was launched by the Prime Minister.

The Assistant Treasurer tonight issued a statement to the Gold Coast Bulletin in which he vowed to repay the funds.

Stuart Rober Photo: Glenn Hunt.

“I acknowledge the costs are much higher than anticipated and higher than what our community expects,” he said.

“Accordingly I will immediately and voluntarily pay back the total amount to ensure I continue to meet community expectations and standards. I look forward to the NBN starting at my home in the coming weeks.”

THE COAST EX-POLITICIANS STILL COSTING US THOUSANDS

Statement issued to the Gold Coast Bulletin by Assistant Treasurer Stuart Robert

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Mr Robert came under fire this morning after revelations that the then-backbencher’s internet usage at his Nerang home cost $2832 in May while he has charged more than $1000 every month, dating back to 2016.

In the most recent six months of expenses released, it averaged $1845.

Mr Robert defended the amount, saying he had been forced to use 4G because of poor internet connections at his Nerang home.

Stuart Robert MP (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

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“Because of where I live, there is no reliable ADSL service until the NBN arrived - which was last week,” he said.

“Accordingly the Department of Finance approved the current internet solution using 4G as the only viable alternative for reliability, connectivity and speed.

“The problem with 4G is that it provides a modest amount of data usage per month and then has very high excess data charges. These excess data charges are what have caused concern.”