MEDIA RELEASE

NICK XENOPHON M.L.C.

INDEPENDENT NO POKIES MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

17 September 2004

TIME FOR MPS TO HAVE A DOMESTIC OVER TRAVEL

●    Call to make system more accountable by putting all MPs travel reports –

      not just for overseas trips - on the internet.

The release of the latest travel expense figures for State MPs has prompted No Pokies MLC Nick Xenophon to call for further reforms to make the current system more open and accountable.

The figures tabled in Parliament this week show that the state’s 69 MPs spent

$602 823 on travel (for the 2003-2004 financial year) – a jump of over $186 000, or 45%, of the previous years figure of $416 602.

Mr Xenophon has been a long time campaigner for putting MPs’ travel reports on the internet – first introducing a motion into Parliament in 1997 to make it a mandatory requirement.

Last year the SA Parliament became the first in the Commonwealth to require al MPs overseas travel reports to be on the internet.

However domestic travel reports (required when an MP claims for more than three days away) are exempted.

The latest figures show that $271 936 or 45% of all travel expenses related to domestic travel.

“I still believe there are enormous potential benefits to the State from MPs travelling – with new ideas and fresh approaches to issues arising from MPs looking further afield.”

“But the latest figures highlight the need for further reforms – to include domestic travel. It’s all about giving South Australians confidence that the system is open and accountable. Because MPs’ travel is funded by taxpayers, the onus is on MPs to be subject to the scrutiny needed to ensure the trips are of value to the State.”