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Sunrise presenter Natalie Barr has slammed Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke for “taking the buck” from taxpayers who footed the hefty bill for a short trip to the US.
The federal minister and a staff member racked up a $57,000 bill in four days while attending the 30th Australian-American Leadership Dialogue in July 2022.
The expenses doubled those of Defense Minister Richard Marles on the same trip.
Burke’s taxpayer-funded overspending included a whopping $44,000 on business class flights, $4,000 on room and board and more than $8,000 on rental cars, including having a private car waiting on hand for 10 hours, according to documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. by The Daily Telegraph.
Barr was stunned by the expenses incurred by Burke, prompting Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil to jump to her colleague’s defense when she appeared on the show on Wednesday morning.
“Maybe we need to hire some auditors,” Nat Barr said.
Sunrise presenter Natalie Barr has criticized Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke for his taxpayer-funded spending spree.
Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke (pictured in Parliament) racked up a bill of $57,000 in four days during a four-day trip to the United States in 2022.
“Look, Nat, as federal politicians, we have to travel constantly,” Mrs. O’Neil began.
‘International travel is part of that. I absolutely recognize the cost of these things.
“But it’s really important for our country that our nation is represented abroad.”
Barr’s biggest complaint was the amount spent on car rentals.
“However, $8,000 worth of rental cars for four days, it seems like you can get Ubers for a lot cheaper,” he said.
Tony Burke is Anthony Albanese’s ‘right-hand man’ in Parliament
Do you think we could make some fancy Ubers or something?
‘That’s a lot the taxpayers are paying. Apparently a car had to wait 10 hours. A private car for 10 hours, sitting there!’
The row between O’Neil, Barr and Liberal senator Jane Hume became heated after she promised to take the information to the Labor government.
“I’ll just say that it’s really very important that our country is represented abroad,” Ms. O’Neil said.
“Much of our defense, commerce and national security depends on these close relationships.”
Senator Hume chimed in: “But he doesn’t do any of those things.” Labor relations, government affairs manager? This doesn’t actually sound very internationally focused.’
Barr added: “Look, we understand you have to travel.” You just don’t want to take the mickey.
Burke’s spending spree has renewed calls for greater transparency in parliamentary spending.
Deputy Competition Minister Andrew Leigh, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Sarah Henderson MP and former Minister Simon Birmingham were also on the same trip but have not yet claimed any expenses.
Burke then justified his attendance at the event.
“I was invited to the AALD because of my portfolio, which is especially relevant to this year’s forum program covering employment and industrial relations,” he said.
‘I will also be making a presentation to the Australian Parliament in my capacity as Leader of the House. During my visit I will also meet with key stakeholders and officials related to my employment and labor relations portfolio.
“In addition, I will attend AUKUS-related meetings at the White House and Congress.”