Linda Reynolds repays nearly $9,000 after partner billed taxpayers to visit son in Melbourne
Summary
Senator Linda Reynolds repaid nearly $8,800 in travel expenses after her partner claimed family reunion allowances for trips to visit his son in Melbourne while traveling to meet her in Canberra. The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) ruled these trips did not meet the rules because the partner stayed in Melbourne without Reynolds, making the visits personal rather than to accompany the senator.Key Facts
- Linda Reynolds repaid $8,778.01 after her partner’s three trips between Perth, Melbourne, and Canberra were reviewed.
- The IPEA questioned the travel because her partner stayed two nights in Melbourne alone before going to Canberra.
- Family reunion travel benefits are allowed only when the family member accompanies or joins the parliamentarian.
- The trips to Melbourne were mainly to spend time with the partner’s son, not to accompany Reynolds.
- Travel from Melbourne to Canberra was considered allowed under the rules.
- Reynolds initially disagreed but accepted the IPEA’s decision and paid back the money, including a 25% penalty.
- Family reunion travel entitlements include up to nine business class return flights between the home city and Canberra, plus three extra flights outside Canberra.
- Reynolds mentioned the visits were important due to past workplace allegations that affected the family, but this did not change the rules.
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