From July 1, for the first time, parliamentarians’ work expenditure will be overseen by an independent authority.
On Saturday, the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) will begin operating as a statutory authority.
Four independent members have been installed with the Hon Jeffrey Spender QC, the Hon Gary Gray AO, Jillian Segal AM (chair) and Dr Julianne Jacques as part-time members for a period of five years. John Conde, president of the Remuneration Tribunal, will serve as an ex-officio member.
IPEA has responsibility for oversight of:
- Travel expenses, including allowances, of parliamentarians and their staff;
- The preparation and publication of reports and audits relating to all expenses for parliamentarians; and
- The preparation and publication of reports and audits relating to the travel expenses for parliamentarians’ staff.
“The Turnbull Government has heeded community concerns about parliamentarians’ expenditure and acted,” Special Minister of State, Senator the Hon Scott Ryan, said.
“For the first time, Australia will have an authority operating at arm’s length from the Government to monitor and report on the way all Members and Senators are spending money.
“The Turnbull Government is undertaking the most comprehensive reforms to federal parliamentarians’ work expenses in a generation.
“Australians rightly expect that politicians spend taxpayers’ money carefully, ensuring at all times that their work expenditure represents an ethical, prudent and cost effective use of public resources.”