[Greens-Media] MPs entitlement crackdown needs enforcer: Bandt

[Stahel, Peter (Sen C. Milne)]

MPs entitlement crackdown needs enforcer: Bandt

Greens Acting Leader Adam Bandt MP has backed changes to entitlement rules announced today, but says there remains a need for a Integrity Commissioner and an entitlements adviser so MPs are more likely to abide by the rules.

"Putting in place fines will only work if Members of Parliament are clear about the rules to begin with. There remains a need for a parliamentary entitlements adviser who is able to make clear to MPs what's in and what's out before expenses are incurred," Mr Bandt said.

"As Mr Abbott has pointed out, there are always grey areas and without proper oversight and guidance MPs will just be paying fines and nothing will really change."

"The previous Labor government dragged its heels on putting in place proper oversight and now the Abbott government is only doing the bare minimum in the face of significant public pressure."