I said yesterday George Brandis should not have claimed for travel to Michael Smith’s wedding, even if he considered it as business more than pleasure.
But reader G makes some interesting points:
It was silly of Brandis, even though from 2 years ago. But the leftist comments of The Insiders yesterday morning were beyond the pale. Likewise, Shorten’s comments. I actually couldn’t get over the 3 minute visual montage that they played in homage to the Labor leadership. It will be very interesting to see who is paying for all these expenses along the way.
Now, it might be a task for a school researcher, or junior cadet, etc, but the Parliamentary entitlement reports do make for interesting reading, especially the more detailed breakout reports concerning each politician. The most recent of these reports however are through to 31Dec12.
But just taking the Jul/Dec12 report, for instance, whilst Brandis $0 in the 6 months on printing and communications, Shorten spent $57,700. Brandis spent $13,000 on COMCAR. Shorten spent $22,000.
Even on September 7th, Shorten charged a $25 infringement fee notice to the C/W on his private plated vehicle. He was in Melbourne at the time according to his airfare movements. Same day however, he spent $233 in COMCAR costs in 2 separate movements, $40 and $193. Shorten’s COMCAR use came to $23,000, Brandis’ to $13,000.
Family use COMCAR for Shorten was $234. For Brandis, it was $0.
Brandis’ home state is QLD. In the 6 months, he had 5 COMCAR movements >$100 in Brisbane. He had 18 interstate COMCAR movements >$100. Brandis’ Brisbane spending on COMCAR (>$100) was $670 for the period.
Now, for Shorten. He spent $22,400 in COMCAR costs during the 6 months, including 63 COMCAR movements >$100 each trip. Of these, 41 were within Melbourne, at a cost of $7,800 and 22 were interstate, at a cost of $3,300.
$9000 was spent reimbursing Shorten for family travel costs. For Brandis, it was $0.http://blogs.news.com.au/heraldsun/...shorten_drove_our_dollars_a_lot_further/#iit=