Premier Jacinta Allan warns MPs to travel ‘responsibly’ on taxpayer money
Premier Jacinta Allan has given taxpayer funded trips for MPs the tick of approval but only if they do so within the rules.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has backed the use of taxpayer funded travel allowances for Victorian politicians but has cautioned politicians to use the benefit “responsibly”.
It comes as Libertarian MP David Limbrick said he would support the state’s Independent Remuneration Tribunal probing whether the generous travel allowance was justified in the current cost-of-living crisis.
On Wednesday, the Premier was quizzed on whether the taxpayer-funded travel perk passed the pub test.
It came after new analysis of 2023 trips showed some MPs were spending big on overseas junkets while others showed restraint or only took domestic trips.
Ms Allan said when it comes to allowances for MPs’ travel that “it was very much a matter for the parliament” and that the allowance was set by the Independent Remuneration Tribunal — a body set up by the Andrews government following a series of expenses scandals.
“It would be my expectation, though, that all members of parliament whether you’re government, opposition or on the crossbench, we all have a responsibility that should we choose to take up those allowances that are there and available, we need to make sure to do it responsibly,” she said.
“We need to make sure that there is value but for our electorates primarily in this instance, in the use of those entitlements.”
According to MPs’ travel claims lodged with parliament for 2023, members of all political parties used the allowance with differing destinations.
Labor MP Lee Tarlamis jetted off twice to India in 2023, with his first trip costing taxpayers $4,689 and his second $6,971.
Mr. Tarlamis’s travel report said his reason for the trip was to “strengthen the relationship between Victoria and India, make contacts with business executives and government officials”.
Liberal MP Brad Battin also undertook a trip to India and Sri Lanka last year with the priority being cybercrime prevention costing $5,168.
“I’m not a tech expert. As a member of parliament I took the opportunity to go over and meet with these organisations so we can get the best data to ensure that we’re protected when it comes to cybercrime in the future”, his post-travel report stated.
A group of Liberal MP’s including Renee Heath, Bev McArther and Nick McGowan, jetted off to Thailand in April last year on a group trip.
Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell took a taxpayer trip to LA and Washington in September to the tune of $4,030.
Ms Purcell’s reason for travel was meeting with kangaroo advocacy groups and other animal welfare organisations as electorate business.
“It was a good trip,” Ms Purcell said on Wednesday.
“It was really beneficial and was really busy.
“I completely understand why there’s concerns around politicians going on these trips in a cost of living crisis using taxpayers money.
“I have no doubt there’s politicians who aren’t taking this as seriously as I did.”
Mr Limbrick, a Libertarian, told the Herald Sun he did not take any taxpayer funded trips overseas.
“Sometimes people need to travel due to conducting business,” he said.
“I would say that I haven’t seen any need for international travel.
“If I did, I would pick up the phone.
“I’m a state MP, most of the work that I do is within the state.”
Mr. Limbrick added “it’s definitely something they (the tribunal) should look at.”
On Wednesday, Ms Allan also revealed she would be taking her first international trip as state leader to India later this year.
“We have deep cultural and historic relationships with India and they are also one of our biggest and most important trading partners”, she said.
