Senate votes to axe gold travel pass for MPs
Just over a week after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced plans to immediately axe the life gold travel pass for federal politicians, the law has cleared parliament, despite vocal objections by veteran senator Ian MacDonald. The pass reportedly costs Australian taxpayers around $1.5 million each year.
The laws, which also propose the establishment of an expenses watchdog, come after a series of expenses scandals – most recently involving former Health Minister Sussan Ley – in an effort to win back the trust of voters.
“The life gold pass for parliamentarians is a relic of a bygone era,” Special Minister of State Scott Ryan said. “Australians rightly expect parliamentarians and former parliamentarians to spend money efficiently, effectively and ethically.”
Under the new changes, only former Prime Ministers will have access to lifelong free travel, and MPs will be held to account over their use of taxpayer money for travel purposes.
Tell us in the comments below, are you happy to see these changes come into effect? Do you think MPs need to be held to account?
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