Darren Chester (Gippsland, National Party, Deputy Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

In summing up the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2017, I would firstly like to thank the members who have contributed to this debate. As noted previously, politicians must be held accountable for the use of taxpayers' dollars and the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Bill 2017 is the first step in the biggest reforms to the management of parliamentarians' expenses in more than a generation. This new authority will provide clear and consistent guidance, advice and rulings for parliamentarians to ensure that our spending of public money meets the expectations of the Australian public.

As the government has announced, we will also continue to implement the recommendations of an independent parliamentary entitlements systems review in order to improve the legislative and administrative framework of the existing parliamentary work expenses system. I look forward to working with the opposition and other members and senators to ensure that these important and timely reforms are delivered. The consequential amendment to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 contained in the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2017 will ensure that the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority, which will be established under the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Bill 2017, will be able to provide confidential advice to parliamentarians and their staff with respect to travel expenses and allowances. This will ensure that parliamentarians and their staff engage early with the authority which will be able to provide frank and independent advice with respect to travel expenses and allowances.

Once again, I thank all members for their contributions. I commend the bill to the House.

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