Overview
- Anthony Albanese confirmed his office signed off on last‑minute travel changes for Anika Wells and staff, with three business‑class flights to New York costing $94,827.
- Pressed on the price, Wells said the changes followed the Optus Triple Zero outage and argued the trip was vital to promote the under‑16s social media ban due to start Wednesday.
- Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority data shows a June Thredbo visit cost $2,845.50, with $844 in accommodation and family flights claimed under reunion entitlements.
- Wells says she worked throughout the Thredbo weekend with Paralympics Australia and announced $2 million for parasport, while reports list about $116,000 for three Paris trips tied to major events.
- Opposition figures say the spending fails the pub test, Wells maintains all claims meet guidelines, and there has been no indication of repayments or formal sanction.