FORMER Member for Calare John Cobb was the most frugal of the region’s three federal members in the six months to June, but he says there’s no mystery as to why.
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Mr Cobb retired in May and has since been replaced by former Member for Orange Andrew Gee.
Of Mr Cobb and his fellow Nationals, Riverina MP Michael McCormack and Parkes MP Mark Coulton, Mr Cobb spent the least.
He spent $6279 in travelling allowances, $97.30 in overseas travel, $2544.24 in domestic airfares, nothing in charter costs and $22,741.11 in car costs.
Office facilities cost him $54,263.97, while administrative costs were $78,520.98.
Telecommunications cost the taxpayer $5829.42 and he claimed $103.74 in family travel costs.
“It’s pretty obvious [why it was less] – I didn’t travel as much, Mark has a bigger electorate and Michael’s on the frontbench,” he said.
“It’s common sense, it’s not rocket science.”
Health Minister Sussan Ley has stood aside pending an investigation into her purchase of a $795,000 Gold Coast apartment on a taxpayer-funded trip classed as official business, but Mr Cobb said he wouldn’t comment on her circumstances.
“It’s no good people saying it should be black and white because the situation is rarely black and white,” he said.
“If it’s too lax, the wrong thing can happen.”
Mr McCormack has defended the government’s handling of Ms Ley while her claims are investigated.
“It’s right that Sussan Ley steps aside,” he said.
The situation is rarely black and white.
- Former Member for Calare John Cobb
“Travel allowances come from taxpayers’ hard-earned money and they need to be put through proper scrutiny.”
The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Martin Parkinson is looking at Ms Ley’s expenses.
