Federal MPs and senators have substantial property portfolios, with 38 owning homes in Canberra or nearby Queanbeyan, for which they can claim a $299 per night travel allowance for parliamentary business, a review of the register of interests has found.
On average, each of the 151 MPs and 76 senators owns or has an interest in almost two properties. The register shows 237 houses or apartments owned, plus interests in 210 other properties, including holiday homes, investment properties and agricultural land, often held with spouses or partners.
Among those with Canberra residences are Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, and Speaker Milton Dick on the government side, and Nationals leader David Littleproud and shadow climate change minister Ted O’Brien on the Coalition side. The allowance is payable regardless of whether the politician actually stays in the property.
Some of the newest MPs are among the biggest property owners. Independent Sophie Scamps declared a family home, a farm and three investment properties. Labor MP Michelle Ananda-Rajah listed four residential or investment properties held jointly with her spouse.
However, Greens MPs Stephen Bates and Max Chandler-Mather declared no property ownership. Bates, who represents Brisbane, told the ABC he intended to work extra shifts to pay rent despite the “insane” base salary of $211,000 for MPs. Chandler-Mather, the Greens housing spokesman, has called for a two-year rent freeze.
