Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been labelled “tone-deaf” after it was revealed he billed taxpayers thousands of dollars to fly his family to Canberra for Budget night – where he slugged Aussies with controversial tax break changes.
Mr Albanese’s wife Jodie Haydon and adult son Nathan, who both hold high-paying jobs in the banking sector, got free flights to Canberra on May 12 courtesy of the parliamentary family reunion allowance, as did Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ wife Laura and their son, costing taxpayers a combined $4,200.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor’s wife Lousie Clegg also attended Budget night but did not claim the travel allowance, instead driving to Canberra from their home in the Southern Highlands, the Daily Mail reported.
Political commentator Peter van Onselen said that while Mr Albanese and Mr Chalmers had not breached any rules, their decision to use the family allowance was “tone-deaf” during a cost-of-living crisis that has worsened under their watch.
“Taxpayers shouldn’t be expected to cover the travel bill for what was essentially a family cheer squad. And Albo didn’t even have a role – Budget night is the Treasurer’s moment,” he said,
“It’s hardly the scandal of the century, but when families are counting every dollar, asking taxpayers to fund flights for well-paid relatives is an unnecessary expense and a bad look.”
During Budget night Labor handed out billions to aboriginals, immigrant groups and to combat anti-Semitism, while breaking election promises by bringing in changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts.
The revelations come after Labor ministers Anika Wells, Michelle Rowland and Don Farrell came under criticism for their use of family travel expenses.
Ms Wells claimed fights for her husband to attend sporting events including the AFL Grand Final, Boxing Day Test and Formula One Grand Prix, Mr Farrell has claimed more than $100,00 since 2022, and Ms Rowland repaid some of the cost of a trip to Western Australia.
