THE State Government is investigating MP travel costs after revelations ministers are spending an average $21,000 each a year on hotels, meals, rental cars and flights.
New documents reveal a significant increase in government spending on travel at the same time public servants face the sack and programs are slashed to plug a billion-dollar budget black hole.
Right to Information documents show that spending on everything from taxis, airfares and car hire to meals and accommodation, as well as “other incidental travel costs”, so far this financial year has already surpassed the entire 2009-10 financial year spending by almost $90,000.
The figures, obtained by the state Liberals, have prompted Premier Lara Giddings to announce an immediate review into all travel expenditure by the Government.
Liberal leader Will Hodgman described the spending as “debaucherous”.
“Tasmanians will be wondering why these ministers are such frequent flyers, given the current budget wreck,” Mr Hodgman said.
“While Tasmanians are expected to tighten their belts to deal with spiralling electricity and water bills, we have a government that has continued to spend up on ministerial travel.”
The cost for travel is for Government Cabinet MPs, including Greens Minister Nick McKim and Cassy O’Connor.
For this financial year, it also includes travel expenses of Labor MPs Scott Bacon, Brian Wightman and Rebecca White but their combined bills account for only $6564 more in spending.
…
Ms Giddings said that in light of the budget constraints, she was reviewing the Government’s ministerial travel policies.
…
“With improvements in broadband, I expect in the future more national meetings will be able to be conducted through teleconferencing methods.
“In relation to overseas travel, for the time being ministerial overseas travel will only be approved if it is vital in order to support local businesses with investment or job outcomes,” she said.
TRAVEL EXPENSES
2009-10 total: $245,222
So far this financial year (8 months): $334,791
WHO SPENT WHAT
For 09-10 and to February 22 this financial year (20 months)
David Bartlett: $202,749
Michelle O’Byrne: $100,650
Lara Giddings: $75,777
Bryan Green: $67,762
Michael Aird: $50,865
Lin Thorp: $44,710
David O’Byrne: $14,413
Cassy O’Connor: $8233
Nick McKim: $5579
Brian Wightman: $3157
Rebecca White: $3043
Doug Parkinson: $1561
Michael Polley: $1194
Brenton Best: $490
Paul O’Halloran: $399
Scott Bacon: $364
