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Commonwealth legislation
This Act has been repealed and is no longer in force. It is retained for historical reference.
These regulations set out the detailed rules for how Australian politicians (MPs and Senators) can spend public money on their offices, travel, and legal costs. They operate under the Parliamentary Entitlements Act 1990.
Key areas covered:
Office Budgets: Calculates annual running costs for electorate offices. Senators receive a fixed base amount plus CPI increases. House of Representatives members receive a base amount plus a calculation based on the number of enrolled voters in their electorate multiplied by the standard postage rate, with extra funding for rural areas compared to metropolitan seats.
Printing & Communications: Members can use their office budget to pay for printing (limited to paper/card under 700 grams per square metre or flat magnets), websites, electronic materials, and even "audio posters" (posters with attached sound devices). The money cannot be used for TV/radio content, party political material (like how-to-vote cards), or commercial purposes. There are strict rules about what can appear on letterhead stationery—for example, if the Commonwealth Coat of Arms is used, the Australian flag and party logos cannot appear.
Overseas Travel: Covers travel costs when members represent the Government or Parliament abroad. Generally includes business-class fares, accommodation, and medical costs. Special rules apply for the Leader of the Opposition (who can bring staff) and minority party leaders. Travel on special purpose aircraft requires Prime Ministerial approval.
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Direct links to the current provisions in Parliamentary Entitlements Regulations 1997.
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View on official registerSourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
Legal Assistance to Ministers (Part 3): Allows current and former Ministers to have taxpayers pay their legal bills for court cases, inquiries, or damages awards that relate to their ministerial duties. A designated "approving Minister" (usually the Attorney-General, but another Minister if there's a conflict) must approve the funding. The Commonwealth can take control of the legal defence, and any costs awarded to the Minister must be paid back to the government.
Insurance: Provides coverage for public liability, professional indemnity, and travel insurance for members and (in some cases) their spouses.
Disaster Supplements: If a natural disaster hits a member's electorate and they've already spent their budget, they can apply for up to $20,000 in extra funds.
Who it affects: All Members of Parliament, Senators, Ministers, Presiding Officers (Speaker and President), Opposition Leaders, and party whips.
Why it matters: These rules determine how much taxpayer money politicians can spend communicating with voters, running their offices, and travelling. They attempt to ensure funds are used for parliamentary work rather than party politics, and they provide a framework for ministers facing legal action related to their official duties.