Liberal senator Eric Abetz justified billing taxpayers $2,000 to travel to a lavish farewell gala dinner forby saying the former prime minister implemented “pro-Tasmania” policies, making his attendance relevant to his home state.
Documents released under freedom of information laws show the watchdog, the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority , began probing seven Liberal MPs who claimed travel expenses to Sydney on dates coinciding with the party, following a story in the New Daily.
Another MP, Kevin Andrews claimed the cost of government Comcars to the party, but said he considered it to be parliamentary business. Andrews, though, told Ipea he also had a range of other parliamentary business in Sydney, separate to the party.
$2k for dinner with Abbott Why did he need the money? aged care got $10 extra for wholesome meals but the money vanished with the operators Nothing has changed