NXT calls for tougher penalties for entitlement rorts

Posted February 15, 2017

Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie could only find other three MPs to back an NXT amendment to toughen the financial penalties for parliamentarians rorting their entitlements, particularly repeat offenders.

Independent MPs Cath McGowan and Andrew Wilkie and Greens MP Adam Bandt sided with Ms Sharkie in pushing to increase the proposed 25 per cent loading on incorrect travel claims to double the amount overpaid or 400 per cent if the politician broke the rules two or more times.

They also backed her unsuccessful amendment to add a community member to the Board of the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority to make sure rorting allegations passed the “pub test”.

Under the Government’s Parliamentary Entitlements Legislation Bill 2017, board members would include a judge, former MP and a professional auditor.

Youtube clip here: