Explore the latest developments concerning We examined MPs'.
We examined MPs' family travel spending — here's what we learned
Don Farrell was the largest user of family reunion travel in 2024-25. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)
Family reunion travel for federal MPs and senators cost taxpayers more than $1.1 million last financial year, highlighting the widespread use of the entitlement by politicians working long hours away from home.
Scrutiny of the entitlement has increased following criticism of Communication and Sport Minister Anika Wells for using the travel rules to fly her family to several sporting events.
An expert who formerly reviewed parliamentary entitlements says there could be appetite to "slightly tighten" the rules, such as by scrapping business-class flights for family.
Why Anika Wells is losing the confidence of sports bosses
Even if she is cleared by the expenses watchdog, her lack of judgment will dog her whenever she is photographed in the stands.
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It’s lucky Anika Wells has the high-profile communications ministry because she may have lost the support of some of Australia’s most senior sports officials.
It has been telling that in a ring-around of many of the heads of major sports organisations not a single one had anything to say in support of Wells or her achievements in the 3½ years that she’s held the sports portfolio.
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Vanishing act: The Anika Wells expenses exclusive pulled by News Corp
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It was a red-hot political exclusive that triggered a week of searing coverage about Communication and Sport Minister Anika Wells’ expenses.
So why did News Corp, the news organisation that had the scoop, pull it down a few hours later?
News Corp’s free mass-market news site, news.com.au, was the first to publish details of Wells’ $100,000 trip to New York under the headline “Eye-watering cost to spruik social media ban” last Tuesday evening, before mysteriously sending the link dead shortly after.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning We examined MPs'.
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