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Nat Barr has lashed out at Anthony Albanese’s government after Prime Minister Tony Burke spent $57,000 taxpayer-funded on a four-day trip to the United States as working Australians struggle with the rising cost of living.
The Sunrise host asked Finance Minister Katy Gallagher why thousands of taxpayer dollars were being used to rent cars and dry-clean politicians instead of providing Australians with better economic support.
Gallagher said Labor was saving millions of dollars in each budget to put towards initiatives such as paying for superannuation in addition to paid parental leave.
“I look at every department, every spending area to make sure we’re saving money where we can and tightening our belts just like households do to make sure we can afford things like this that are good for the economy.” she said.
Barr used this as an opportunity to denounce Jobs Minister Tony Burke’s spending.
‘Minister, could one of the savings be that when ministers travel abroad, they don’t spend $8,000 on hire cars and staff spend 10 items sent to wash for a four-day trip abroad as Tony Burke apparently did? ‘ she asked.
Gallagher responded: ‘I know ministers go to great lengths to ensure their costs are minimised. These costs are often incurred without them knowing.’
Barr accused the government of sending mixed signals to Australians on spending.
‘Australians were told to spend big. We spend a lot. They tell us to stop, all the interest rate increases happened. “Now we are heading into a recession,” he stated.
‘We’re doing all the things you say, and then we hear about $60,000 trips to important meetings with laundry for a four-day trip and $8,000 (rental) cars. Can’t you understand that? ?’
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher (right) was questioned by Sunrise presenter Nat Barr (left) about how the government planned to use taxpayers’ money to provide economic support to Australians.
Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke (pictured in parliament in February) racked up a $57,000 bill in four days during a four-day trip to the United States in 2022.
Mrs Gallagher insisted that expenditure on official travel must be within reason.
‘I recognize that people are really feeling the pressure. “I accept that the Government has to tighten its belt like every other household and business,” he said.
‘We have found savings on travel, legal expenses, advertising and consulting. These are the areas where we have been reducing spending because we are aware that every dollar we spend is taxpayers’ money and we must do it wisely.’
Barr responded: “Maybe we need a little audit of some of that, because for many Australians, $8,000 worth of rental cars is ridiculous.”
This comes after Australia recorded its weakest growth result since 2000, with the latest figures revealing a modest 0.2 per cent gain in the December quarter.
Major consultancy Deloitte warned that while Australia was not in recession, many households were struggling following 13 interest rate increases.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Finance Minister announced at the National Press Club on Thursday that superannuation will be included in paid parental leave payments.
The measure will come into force on 1 July 2025 and follows the Government’s commitment to extend paid parental leave to six months by 2026.
Gallagher said the national reform sought to close the gap between the amount of super earned by men and women.