Tasmanian MPs in marginal seats claim big on expenses in September quarter
Tasmania’s federal parliamentarians claimed hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of office expenses in just three months, the latest figures reveal.
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TASMANIAN MPs in marginal seats were some of the biggest spenders among the state’s federal parliamentarians in the September quarter, as speculation rages about when the next election may be called.
Members of parliament are entitled to claim domestic and overseas travel expenses, and are provided a travel allowance. They can also claim travel expenses for family members and employees, as well as costs associated with office administration and facilities, telecommunications, printing, and transport.
According to the latest data published by the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority, Bass MHR Bridget Archer, whose seat is the Liberals’ most uncertain in the country, with a margin of just 0.41 per cent, claimed the equivalent of $134,030.43 between July 1 and September 30.
Braddon Liberal MHR Gavin Pearce, meanwhile, claimed $121,046.38. The army veteran’s seat is far from safe, with a slim margin of 3.1 per cent.
Labor MHR Brian Mitchell, who holds a 5.2 per cent margin in his electorate of Lyons, claimed $119,079.35 in expenses.
The bulk of all three MPs’ spending was on printing and communications, with Mrs Archer claiming $64,062.10 for such costs, Mr Pearce $61,554.60, and Mr Mitchell $51,179.02.
This included costs associated with printed items, distribution of materials, and radio broadcasting.
The federal budget has been brought forward to March 29, 2022, fuelling speculation that an election will be called for next May.
Devonport-based Liberal senator Richard Colbeck – who holds the ministerial portfolios of aged care services and sport – claimed the most expenses of all Tasmania’s federal parliamentarians, totalling $138,936.61.
He travelled to Japan on July 18 to represent the Australian government at the Tokyo Olympics. The 12-day trip cost a total of $57,640.99, taking into account airfares, accommodation, meals, transport, incidentals, medical costs and employee expenses.
Senator Colbeck was present when the International Olympic Committee announced at a ceremony in Tokyo that Brisbane had won the right to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He celebrated the news alongside Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who also made the trip over to Japan.
The Senator was the only Tasmanian federal parliamentarian to claim overseas travel expenses in the September quarter.
Clark independent MHR Andrew Wilkie claimed $121,415.98 in total expenses, while Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam claimed $111,770.64.
Big ticket items gifted to government ministers
A TICKET to the AFL grand final and several tickets to the chairman’s lounge at the Big Bash League cricket are among the perks bestowed on Sports Minister Jane Howlett, the official gifts register tabled in Parliament shows.
Ms Howlett topped the list for items retained by government ministers and listed on the register for the 12-month period from November 1, 2020.
She kept gifts valued at $9188 – $3000 more than Premier Peter Gutwein with $6043.
They included eight tickets to four BBL games, which were valued at $300 each.
A ticket to the greyhound Hobart Thousand Final night from the Hobart Racing Club was worth just $60.
The Tasmanian Racing Club provided two tickets to its Hobart Cup luncheon worth $335 each.
Ms Howlett received just one ticket to September’s AFL grand final in Perth at the chairman’s club worth $650.
A government spokesman confirmed she attended the grand final, which was not attended by Mr Gutwein.
“The Minister was representing the Premier, and travel costs were covered by the state,” the spokesman said.
The minister who retained the least of the gifts given was Environment Minister Roger Jaensch while the register lists Speaker Mark Shelton as receiving gifts worth $955.
All government ministers and Mr Shelton received Qantas lounge membership valued at $600.
Mr Gutwein, Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Attorney-General Elise Archer and State Growth Minister Michael Ferguson also had Virgin lounge membership worth $399.
Other gifts on the register included books, wine, whisky, Jansz sparkling wine, a baseball-style cap, earrings, tickets to Mona Foma, Aboriginal art work, flowers, moon cakes, and a single rock lobster.
Labor Party MPs only have to list gifts worth more than $500.
Independent member for Clark Kristie Johnston said she did not accept “expensive” gifts as part of her job.
Labor’s racing spokesman Dean Winter took a swipe at Ms Howlett’s listings on the gift register.
“While Jane Howlett has been out enjoying free hospitality, the racing industry she’s responsible for has been plagued by integrity scandals, dangerous track conditions and animal welfare allegations,” Mr Winter said.
“She needs to realise that and focus on her serious responsibilities which, on her watch, have become a debacle.”
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