Turnbull scraps Life Gold Pass for former MPs

Malcolm Turnbull has told government MPs the life gold travel pass will be axed immediately instead of allowing a phase-out period.

Qantas

File photo Source: AAP

One of the most generous retirement perks for federal MPs - the life gold travel pass - will be axed immediately.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has reportedly informed coalition MPs of the decision during a meeting of the Liberal and National parties in Canberra on Tuesday.

Only former prime ministers would be entitled to the pass but Mr Turnbull announced he would not use it, said.
The announcement comes following multiple expenses scandals involving government MPs last month that saw former Health Minister Sussan Ley step down from the front bench.

It was found she had charged tax payers for several trips to the Gold Coast to attend parties held by a Liberal party donor and the purchase property.

Other government ministers were also found to have claimed travel entitlements to attend the prime minister's New Year's Eve party and to go on family holidays.

The Australian reported the gold pass had cost Australia more than $17 million since 2001, even though changes to the rules had gradually reduced the number of former MPs who were entitled to receive it.

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Published 7 February 2017 1:08pm
Updated 7 February 2017 3:59pm
Source: AAP


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