FED:Abbott says MPs should be more frugal

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2010
FED:Abbott says MPs should be more frugal

CANBERRA, Aug 17 AAP - Opposition Leader Tony Abbott admits some politicians are "a
little bit loose" when claiming MP entitlements, but says offenders come from all sides
of politics.

Mr Abbott was asked about weekend reports federal MPs billed taxpayers $52 million
in petty-cash expenses in the last six months of 2009.

Liberal MP Peter Slipper lodged one of the biggest claims for a non-minister, including
more than $16,000 for cabs, $3000 for chauffeur-driven cars and $500 insurance excess
for a car bingle.

The Queensland MP also claimed numerous magazine subscriptions, including one for Aquarium
Keeper Australia.

Mr Abbott refused to comment specifically on Mr Slipper, instead saying all members
should be "prudent and frugal".

"I think some people are perhaps a little loose when it comes to these things," he
told reporters in Canberra.

"But ... if you go through the ranks there is a degree of looseness on all sides of parliament."

AAP sld/rl/it

KEYWORD: POLL10 CLAIMS

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