MPs’ perks dominate campaign
The third week of the federal election campaign is being dominated by the perks of politicians and mafia mates.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is campaigning on the New South Wales far south coast, to talk about roads and airports, as a new poll shows his personal rating continues to dive.
Labor leader Bill Shorten, whose party leads the coalition 51-49 in the latest Newspoll, is in Perth taking about trains.
A debate has been sparked over rules that allow MPs to claim all expenses on properties they own in Canberra as tax deductions.
The tax ruling from 1999 allows MPs to claim deductions for electricity, mortgage payments and renovations.
Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen told reporters in Sydney today the system does not live up to community expectations.
The Prime Minister is expected to answer questions today about his knowledge of a Melbourne Liberal fundraising lunch in 2008 with the now-dead gangland lawyer Joe Acquaro.
Turnbull said despite Labor’s “overnight backflip” on allowances and tax breaks, the system should remain independent.
Stay informed, daily
“It is very important that the allowances and pay for that matter of politicians is handled independently and not set by politicians,” he said.
The Prime Minister said he had conducted his affairs “scrupulously in accordance with the rules that apply to all members and senators”.
-AAP
