Members' Additional Entitlements 2017

In a report released today, the Auditor-General for New South Wales, Margaret Crawford, identified two instances where Members of Parliament did not materially comply with the Parliamentary Remuneration Tribunal’s Determination relating to additional entitlements. The Department of Parliamentary Services has subsequently requested that the two Members concerned repay amounts that were incorrectly claimed. One claim was made under the Electorate to Sydney Travel allowance and the other from the Communication allowance.

A further eight instances of minor non-compliance were also identified.

The Auditor-General annually reviews whether Members of the NSW Parliament comply with the Parliamentary Remuneration Tribunal’s Determination relating to additional entitlements. This review covered a sample of entitlements paid for the year ended 30 June 2017.

Members may claim additional entitlements to cover expenses incurred ‘for the purpose of facilitating the efficient performance of the parliamentary duties of Members’. Eligible expenses can include travel, accommodation, printing, stationery and temporary staff costs. Additional entitlements are separate from the Members’ basic salary, and other salaries and expense allowances paid to Ministers and certain other office holders.

In 2017, Members claimed $23.0 million in additional Entitlements, an increase of 7.3 per cent from 2016.

Further information

Barry Underwood, Director, Office of the Auditor-General, on 9275 7220 or 0403 073 664 and email barry.underwood@audit.nsw.gov.au.