Charlestown MP, Jodie Harrison and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald have been named as several State Government politicians claiming a living away from home allowance despite staying in their own investment properties.
The two-hundred-and-ninety-two dollar a night allowance granted to members in order to cover accommodation expenses for official parliament business in Sydney.
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| Jodie Harrison. Photo Courtesy: http://gregwarren.nationbuilder.com/jodie_harrison |
The Daily Telegraph reports at least four other State MP's have also claimed the allowance, despite staying in their Sydney based investment properties free of charge.
The Parliamentary Remuneration Tribunal has determined members who travel a minimum of 70 kilometres from their principal place of residence to Parliament are eligible for the allowance.
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| Scot MacDonald. Photo Courtesy: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/ members/Pages/member-details.aspx?pk=87 |
In a statement, Jodie Harrison says she meets requirements to claim the allowance. She stays at her own unit in Surry Hills while parliament is sitting.
Scot MacDonald was contacted for response but declined to comment.
The allowance costs taxpayers $1.6 million per year.
