Senior Australian politicians have claimed more than $1.5 million in taxpayer-funded accommodation payments, despite staying in homes they own in the capital, Canberra. This practice is permitted under a parliamentary entitlement that the Albanese government did not alter during its recent reforms.
The System Behind the Claims
Under parliamentary rules, MPs receive a nightly allowance intended to cover costs when working away from their primary residence. The rate was $291 in 2022 and stands at $322 today. While claims must be halved outside Canberra if staying with family or friends, this rule does not apply within the capital.
This means MPs can claim the full nightly rate for stays in properties they own or are paying a mortgage on, with no receipts required, provided the stay is for parliamentary duties. The system uses a fixed daily rate to ensure consistency and avoid disputes over hotel pricing or accommodation type.
Top Claimants and Ministerial Benefits
Liberal Senate leader Michaelia Cash topped the list, collecting $123,978 over three years and four months, routinely claiming the maximum $322 nightly rate. This amounted to more than $3,000 each month while sleeping in her own Canberra home.
Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie followed closely, claiming $103,939 over three and a half years for nights at her Canberra property. On the Labor side, Treasurer Jim Chalmers led the claims, billing $100,095 for stays at his registered Canberra residence.
Other senior ministers also benefited. Foreign Minister Penny Wong received $68,006 to stay in her Canberra house after the 2022 election. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who owns six properties including one in Canberra, claimed $43,494.
These payments are in addition to ministerial salaries approaching $400,000 per year, plus taxpayer-funded flights, vehicles, and other travel perks. It is estimated about a quarter of Australia's 226 MPs own homes in Canberra.
Broader Context of Expense Scrutiny
The revelations emerge as other ministers face scrutiny over their use of public funds. Communications Minister Anika Wells was criticised for a $95,000 last-minute trip to New York in late 2025 to promote a social media ban. She also billed taxpayers for a COMCAR vehicle that waited seven hours outside the Australian Open and claimed for flights to take her husband to major sporting events.
Following these scandals, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced proposed reforms just before Christmas 2025. He asked the Remuneration Tribunal to tighten rules for taxpayer-funded family travel, likely mandating economy-class fares and restricting family flights.
In the same month, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland was ordered to repay part of a $21,000 family trip to Perth after the expenses watchdog ruled she broke travel rules. She only referred the claim for audit after the spending became public.
The series of incidents has placed a renewed spotlight on the parliamentary expenses system and the allowances claimed by elected officials while residing in their own properties.
