Overview
- Anthony Albanese said he has asked the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority for advice on whether travel and family-reunion entitlements should change and pledged to consider its recommendations.
- Attorney-General Michelle Rowland referred a 2023 $21,685 family trip to Western Australia for review, after Anika Wells sent her expenses to IPEA following reports of a near $100,000 New York trip and other family travel.
- Health Minister Mark Butler indicated the government would welcome broader advice from IPEA and legislate if required, with any audit or review likely to take months.
- Opposition Leader Sussan Ley requested bipartisan talks on tightening rules and called for Wells to resign or stand aside pending the audit, as crossbenchers including Allegra Spender and Andrew Wilkie pressed for immediate reform.
- Scrutiny extended to Special Minister of State Don Farrell’s claims and to rules that include no explicit cap on spousal flights, intensifying pressure for clearer limits and accountability.