‘Detached and out of touch’: The staggering cost of being the Prime Minister
How much does a Prime Minister cost? Turns out the number is in the millions when you add up expenses, international trips, official residences and salary.
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How much does a Prime Minister cost?
Almost $7 million a year, according to new analysis showing Anthony Albanese’s international trips, official residences and salary contribute to $6,865,902 in expenses covered by the taxpayer.
Research by the Institute of Public Affairs highlights the annual costs incurred by the Prime Minister – alongside a warning from the think-tank of the need for those living on the public dime to spend wisely and avoid the trappings of office.
Their analysis shows holding and maintaining the PM’s official residences – The Lodge in Canberra and Kirribilli House in Sydney – come to $2.5m, while Mr Albanese’s salary comes to $620,000, after it was bumped up earlier this year.
The highest cost of the annual spend on funding the PM comes from a raft of expenses logged with the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA), with Mr Albanese’s average quarterly parliamentary expenses recorded in the register is $929,695, or $3,718,780 annualised.
Those expenses cover everything ranging from car travel, overseas travel for the PM and his staff, family travel expenses, and telephone bills.
Analysis of IPEA shows in the last full year (April 2024-March 2025) the PM incurred $311,454.98 in international travel costs, $148,359 on cars to transport him, and $2.7m on travel for his staff.
Morgan Begg, director of research at the Institute of Public Affairs, said Prime Ministers are expensive – but warned the endless money of public office could risk Mr Albanese losing touch with his humble roots, something the Prime Minister frequently refers to.
“Everyone understands that Prime Ministers need staff, security, and travel, but Anthony Albanese’s entourage is becoming opulent and extravagant,” he said.
“For an individual who trades on his working-class upbringing, Anthony Albanese sure does love the trappings of high office.”
“This is further evidence of how detached and out of touch the Prime Minister and the political class are from the mainstream of society.”
The Prime Minister has previously defended his lofty financial position following almost 30 years as a member of parliament, particularly after his purchase of a $4.3 million cliff top mansion on the NSW Central Coast last year.
When grilled on the purchase last year, Mr Albanese conceded he earns “a good income”, but said he knew what it was like to battle financially given his upbringing.
“I am much better off as Prime Minister. I earn a good income. I understand that. I understand that I’ve been fortunate, but I also know what it’s like to struggle,” he said.
“My mum lived in the one public housing that she was born in for all of her 65 years. And I know what it’s like, which is why I want to help all Australians into a home, whether it be public homes or private rentals or home ownership.”
The PM’s salary eclipses that of his most recent predecessor, Scott Morrison, who was paid $550,000 at the time he lost office.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office was contacted for comment.
Originally published as ‘Detached and out of touch’: The staggering cost of being the Prime Minister
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