Liberal frontbencher Sarah Henderson has blamed Melbourne Airport’s parking rates for a $1069 charge she billed taxpayers last year, despite it being more than $200 higher than the airport’s most expensive option.
The Victorian senator was asked about the charge on Sunday as she accused Communications Minister Anika Wells of “lying” about her own expenses.
“Members of parliament are able to claim parking costs when they’re engaging in their parliamentary business,” Senator Henderson told News24, calling it “an appropriate cost to claim back”.
“Generally my parking costs are incurred when I travel from regional Victoria to Tullamarine when I travel to Canberra.
“So most of my parking costs are incurred when I park at Tullamarine Airport.”
The four-figure fee was incurred over a 13-day period, tallying with most parliamentarians who need to travel to Canberra.
But NewsWire checked the airport’s online rates and found its most expensive service for 13 days was $809, or $62.23 per day.
Its cheapest option was $195.
More to come