Peter Andren (Calare, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Is he aware of government MPs using taxpayer funded allowances to openly advertise and campaign in adjoining electorates, such as this ‘Working for Lithgow’ ad by the member for Macquarie, who has received—

Government Members:

Government members interjecting—

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Members on my right! The member for Calare has the call, and he will be heard.

Peter Andren (Calare, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Such as this ‘Working for Lithgow’ ad by the member for Macquarie—

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Health and Ageing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Pyne interjecting

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Sturt is warned!

Peter Andren (Calare, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

who has received not one vote from electors in Calare and to whom at least one minister is now referring my constituents in Calare. Prime Minister, is this what you mean by governing for all Australians: governing through coalition members and ministers misusing their authority and privileges of office?

John Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In reply to the member for Calare: there is no misuse of entitlements, none whatsoever. In 2006 the Australian Electoral Commission did redistribute the boundaries of federal seats in New South Wales, and the use of MPs’ entitlements in the new portions of electorates is covered by the Remuneration Tribunal determinations and accepted conventions. The Remuneration Tribunal has since 2001 explicitly allowed for the use of the postage entitlement to communicate with residents of an adjoining or nearby area following a redistribution. This is the advice I have received. Similarly, the printing allowance may by convention be used in the new areas. Furthermore, I am advised that MPs are permitted to travel on scheduled services to the new areas and may use their privately plated vehicle to travel to and within the new areas.

I am advised that the member referred to—and that is obviously the outstanding, wonderful and redoubtable Chief Government Whip, the member for Macquarie—is within the guidelines and conventions surrounding the use of the entitlements. All I can say, in the spirit of fair electoral contest, is that I think the people of Lithgow will warm to the member for Macquarie.

Peter Andren (Calare, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to table the document.

Leave granted.