Victorian MPs' City Apartment Allowances: A Closer Look

0:00It's April 22, I'm Cory with the story. This is Sydney News Today, driven by AI. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen has racked up over $291,000 in taxpayer allowances for her Melbourne CBD apartment since disclosure started in 2019. She bought the place back in 2005 for $319,000 and with her current max entitlement of $56,000. Dollars a year, those claims could soon top the original price tag. Meanwhile, she's one of 18 regional MPs pulling this allowance to cover city stays instead of hotels, five from labor, three liberals, eight, nationals, and two independence. Treasure or Jacqueline Symes grabbed $132,000 this term for her calling with spot, while Nationals leader Danny O'Brien claimed $103,000 since late 2022. Folks are buzzing because these payouts stack on top of fat salaries. Like $512,000 for the Premier and hit regional reps, living over 80 kilometers from Parliament.

1:06It stems from a 2017 scandal that forced new rules and public disclosures after some MPs faked country addresses for the perk. Digging deeper, Allen's got an active mortgage on the unit, and her husband just snagged a neighboring one in 2024 for rental, income no public funds there. Local justice MP Georgie Purcell switched from owning to renting a shared spot after selling hers, calling it key for regional work-life balance with. Long hours and a new baby. Government and opposition both say every claim follows guidelines set by the independent tribunal, keeping it accessible for diverse MPs as Victoria. Let's into November elections.