Scott Morrison dumps MPs’ summer shindig

Scott Morrison is cancelling a $25,000-plus annual summer party for MPs and their families on the grounds of fiscal restraint.

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull barbecues meat during a summer party for politicians and their families at The Lodge. Last year’s soiree cost $25,000. Picture: Instagram

Scott Morrison is cancelling an annual summer party at The Lodge for MPs and their families after Malcolm Turnbull spent more than $25,000 hosting the event on food, drinks, a bouncing castle and mobile ­petting zoo in February.

The Australian understands that in a break from tradition, there will be no function at any of the Prime Minister’s residences for MPs, senators and their families to welcome in the new parliamentary year.

The decision comes as Department of Finance figures revealed Mr Morrison’s predecessor spent $25,149.11, excluding GST, on his summer event for MPs and senators of all political persuasions at the prime minister’s Canberra residence last February.

The decision to dump a summer party for politicians comes as Mr Morrison prepares to fight an election on a platform of fiscal restraint.

Turnbull looks on as an MP’s daughter is served an ice-cream cone during his summer party at the Lodge.

In February Mr Turnbull told guests at his summer barbecue: “This is a family day at The Lodge. We all know that as a member or a senator, you need the support and love of your family.

“We’re also doing this for the little ones here. Everything we do is about making Australia a better place for them to grow up.”

Children at the February 11 event were treated to an ice-cream van, a bouncing castle and a petting zoo. Mr Turnbull ­declined to comment yesterday.

The summer event for MPs came eight days after the then prime minister held a summer reception at Kirribilli House attended by most of his ministers and key stakeholders in business, the media and other fields.

That event ended up costing taxpayers $25,381.94.

It is understood Mr Morrison will continue to hold a ­number of functions at Kirribilli, ­including charity and sporting-themed functions, throughout the summer.

Mr Turnbull’s two major summer events attended by ministers were rivalled in cost only by his Australia Day reception for ­ambassadors and foreign representatives, at $25,724.05.

None of the events hosted by Mr Turnbull came close to the official reception and dinner for French President Emm­anuel Macron at the Sydney Opera House in May. Taxpayers spent $78,440.61, excluding GST, on honouring Mr Macron’s visit.

Only $423.82 was spent on supper for New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.