The travel expenses and perks of Canberra’s politicians have come under scrutiny, revealing significant expenditures and exclusive memberships among members of the ACT Legislative Assembly. Between October 2024 and September 2025, these politicians collectively spent over $100,000 on travel, with the highest individual costs attributed to Chief Minister Andrew Barr.
High Travel Costs for Key Politicians
During this period, Andrew Barr undertook 16 official trips across various countries, including China, Fiji, and Japan, accumulating travel costs of $114,082. This figure encompasses expenses related to ministerial staff as well. In contrast, the second-most travelled minister, Michael Pettersson, reported nearly $9,000 in expenses for five domestic trips. Additionally, Canberra Liberals member Chiaka Barry and Labor backbencher Taimus Werner-Gibbings spent over $38,000 collectively for an 11-day workshop in the Isle of Man focused on parliamentary independence.
While these expenses highlight the demands of political duties, they also point to the luxurious perks enjoyed by certain members. The travel habits of Barr contrasted with his cabinet colleagues, as a notable nine members of the ACT Legislative Assembly declared memberships in Qantas’ exclusive Chairman’s Lounge. This group includes six Labor ministers, along with Canberra Liberals leader Mark Parton and ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury.
Gifts and Hospitality Insights
Beyond travel, declared gifts provide further insight into the lifestyles of ACT politicians. Under current regulations, members must disclose gifts valued at $200 or more. Former Canberra Liberals leader Leanne Castley reported receiving hospitality gifts worth approximately $6,324, which included attendance at high-profile events such as the Canberra Raiders’ Meninga Medal Awards Night and the International Women’s Day Luncheon.
In a notable gesture, Castley and independent politician Thomas Emerson each declared tickets valued at $200 for the Karinya House Charity Luncheon, which raises funds for women in crisis. Castley also disclosed a scholarship worth $32,000 for a four-month program at the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership, aimed at aspiring political leaders.
Politicians also indicated personal interests through their declared gifts. Labor’s Caitlin Tough received theatre tickets to several productions, while Pettersson enjoyed opera and stage performances. On the sports front, Werner-Gibbings declared tickets to various games, including those of the GWS Giants and the Brumbies.
The gifts register, however, also highlights a disparity among politicians. Newly appointed Speaker Jeremy Hanson had only one declaration: a Christmas hamper valued at $100. ACT Greens members Andrew Braddock and Jo Clay reported no gifts, though Clay notably declared donations to over 40 organizations.
As for property ownership, the youngest member of the ACT Legislative Assembly, Laura Nuttall, along with Canberra Liberals deputy leader Deborah Morris, stand out as the only members without property holdings. Nuttall also disclosed a HECS-HELP loan, although she later removed this from her declaration.
In contrast, Chiaka Barry has the largest property portfolio, with four mortgages and rental income from properties across multiple states. Barr, in a personal finance revelation, declared the highest number of credit cards among members, holding five in total from various institutions.
The findings surrounding the travel expenses, perks, and property portfolios of Canberra’s politicians illustrate not just the financial aspects of their roles, but also the privileges and responsibilities that accompany public service in Australia’s capital.
