Member for Riverina Michael McCormack charged taxpayers $11,713 for charter flights from January 1 to June 30, 2016, and spent $7,253.32 on overseas travel.
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McCormack also claimed $23,549 in travel allowance placing him in the top 20 of parliamentary travel allowance claimants.
The Riverina MP claimed $24,376.59 in domestic scheduled fares but was frugal with family, being among only a few parliamentarians to spend nothing on family travel costs.
Mr McCormack had a total expenditure claim of more than $242,000 dollars for the first half of 2016 including more than $90,000 on printing and communications.
Parliamentary Expenditure claims are paid to MPs on top of their wage.
Mr McCormack said travel is a "vital" part of his job and he does pay close attention to the amount he spends.
“In my role as a local MP and Federal Minister, it is vital I travel around the Riverina and Central West, as well as across the country, to meet first-hand with as many Riverina constituents and Australian small business owners as I can,” he said.
“It is the conversations and interactions I have with local people and small business owners every day which gives me the feedback, ideas and inspiration I need to do my job, as well as ensuring people have regular access to their elected representative.
“I am very aware the travel and expenses my job requires comes from the hard work of Australian taxpayers, and that must be valued when undertaking travel or incurring expenses. Every effort is undertaken to ensure my expenses are minimised wherever possible and that local small businesses – including printers, car dealers and motels across the Riverina and Central West – are the beneficiaries of that expenditure.”
NSW National Senator Fiona Nash who has an electoral office in Young spent $33,900 on travel allowance and Parkes MP Mark Coulton spent $22,224 during the same January to June 2016 period.
Wagga Charles Sturt University politics lecturer Troy Whitford said the recent controversy over Farrer MP Sussan Ley charging the public purse after a purchase of a $795,000 Gold Coast apartment while on a taxpayer-funded trip classified as official business has highlighted the need for the system to be changed.
“Common sense says you shouldn't be using taxpayers funds for personal travel and enjoyment,” Dr Whitford said.
Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
