Nat Barr Calls Out Anthony Albanese’s Right Hand Man Tony Burke Over His $57,000 Taxpayer-Funded Spending In America
Sunrise presenter Natalie Barr has slammed Employment and Industrial Relations Secretary Tony Burke for ‘screwing’ taxpayers who footed the bill for a short trip to the United States.
The federal minister and an aide racked up a $57,000 bill in four days while attending the 30th Australian American Leadership Dialogue in July 2022.
The expenditure was double that of Secretary of Defense Richard Marles on the same trip.
Mr. Burke’s taxpayer-funded expenses include as much as $44,000 on business class flights, $4,000 on accommodation and food and more than $8,000 on rental cars — including having a private car that is ready for 10 hours, according to documents obtained under the Freedom Information Act. Through The Daily Telegraph.
Barr was surprised at the costs incurred by Mr. Burke.
“Maybe we should get some auditors in,” Nat Barr said.
Sunrise presenter Natalie Barr has called out Employment and Industrial Relations Minister Tony Burke over his taxpayer-funded spending
Employment and Industrial Relations Minister Tony Burke (pictured in Parliament) racked up a $57,000 bill in four days during a four-day trip to the US in 2022
Labor Home Secretary Clare O’Neil jumped to the defense of her colleagues when she appeared on the program on Wednesday morning.
“Look, Nat, as federal politicians we have to travel all the time,” Ms. O’Neil began.
‘International travel is part of that. Absolutely, I recognize the cost of these things.
“But it is very important for our country that our nation is represented abroad.”
Barr’s biggest complaint was the amount spent on rental cars.
“But $8,000 in rental cars for four days, it sounds like you can get Ubers a lot cheaper,” she noted.
“Do you think we could maybe do some fancy Ubers or something?
“That’s a lot for taxpayers to pay. One car apparently had to wait 10 hours. One private car for 10 hours, just standing there!’
The debate between Ms O’Neil, Barr and Liberal Senator Jane Hume flared after she promised to take the feedback back to the Labor government.
Tony Burke is Anthony Albanese’s ‘right-hand man’ in parliament
“I just want to say that it really is so important that our country is represented abroad,” Ms O’Neil said
“Much of our defense, trade and national security depends on these close relationships.”
Senator Hume interjected: “But he doesn’t do any of those things. Workplace relationships, government affairs manager? That doesn’t really sound internationally oriented.’
Barr added: “Look, we understand you need to travel. You just don’t want to take the Mickey with you.’
Burke’s spending spree has renewed calls for greater transparency over parliamentary spending.
Assistant Competition Minister Andrew Leigh, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, MP Sarah Henderson and former minister Simon Birmingham were also all on the same trip but have not yet declared any expenses.
Mr Burke justified his attendance at the event at the time.
“I was invited to the AALD because of my portfolio, which is particularly relevant to this year’s forum programme, which covers employment and workplace relations,” he said.
“I will also be making a presentation to the Australian Parliament in my capacity as Leader of the House. During my visit I will also meet with key stakeholders and officials related to my employment and workplace relations portfolio.
“In addition, I will attend AUKUS-related meetings at the White House and Congress.”