Pampered pollies rack up big bills travelling in chauffeur-driven comfort

Politicians are racking up thousands of dollars in chauffeur-driven rides, with one NSW MP clocking up a $20,000 bill in three months. See which MPs took the most expensive trips.

Politicians from across ­Australia’s major parties have been accused of recklessly spending taxpayer dollars on chauffeur-driven cars, with some MPs clocking up $20,000 in trips in just three months.

Federal MPs have claimed more than $1000 in a single day to use government vehicles – known as COMCARs – which cost $2.10 per minute, the latest quarterly Expense Summary revealed.

Although the use of COMCARs is permitted when there is no other reasonable option, MPs are encouraged to drive themselves and staff in other taxpayer-funded vehicles.

Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones charged $20,000 for COMCAR trips between July and September – including a $1097 Sydney journey in September 2022.

His colleague Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, racked up $21,350 worth of COMCAR rides, including a $1321 booking in Sydney and another $1189 journey in Adelaide.

Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen took a $1650.60 trip in Sydney.

Veterans Affairs Minister Darren Chester took a $1641.97 trip in Melbourne.

Nationals Leader David Littleproud was also a big user of the government ­vehicles, with a $15,383 quarterly bill.

Meanwhile, independent MP Bob Katter spent $5400 on taxis, with one cab ride costing taxpayers $1300.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles took a $1321.44 trip in Melbourne.

Water Minister Tanya Plibersek took a $1281.00 trip in Sydney.

The latest findings come after The Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday that federal politicians spent $31m in just three months last year.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt spent $15,000 travelling from Canberra to Brisbane on the same day as the party’s ­federal election campaign launch in the Queensland capital.

Fowler independent MP Dai Le was among one of the most frugal spenders, taking just three COMCAR rides totalling just $450.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took a $1266.58 trip in Mebourne.

“I have used it (COMCARs) maybe twice or three times when I have gone from my office into the city for meetings and the parking costs a lot, or in Canberra going from the office to one of the embassies,” Ms Le said. “ I feel very uncomfortable using it.

“Major parties have been in the system for so long and spending for them has become something they don’t stop and think about.

“We need to really be very accountable and responsible, especially in the current cost-of-living crisis. People understand as MPs, ministers, we need to travel and have meetings … or go overseas but you cannot do it excessively.”

Former senator Rex Patrick said some of the top spenders were being “opulent” and “ought to explain” why they charged thousands on local trips.

“$1300 on a taxi is outrageous when MPs have the option to hire a car or have a staffer drive them,” he said.

“It’s about working out what is the cheapest and best value for taxpayers.”

Senator Pauline Hanson also blasted her colleagues for spending “taxpayers’ money like turning on a tap”.

“I understand they are ministers, but they have these cars waiting for them all day,” she said. “The Department of Finance always goes through me with a fine-tooth comb. I don’t waste a lot of money.”

According to the Department of Finance, the use of COMCAR driver services is strictly for “undertaking parliamentary business … and (for) personal safety”.

MPs are also advised that “COMCAR services are not available … if you could reasonably use your private-plated vehicle or additional electorate allowance”.

MPs are also required to comply with a “value for money test” before booking a government vehicle.

Spokesmen for Stephen Jones and Adam Bandt said their travel was within the parliamentary guidelines.

Mr Katter defended his $1300 taxi ride: “Mr Katter prides himself on being one of the most travelled politicians in Australia – the ‘everywhere man’ – in order to serve the electorate of Kennedy, the sixth-largest electorate in Australia,” his spokesperson said.

Originally published as Pampered pollies rack up big bills travelling in chauffeur-driven comfort