An analysis of declared interests and travel expenses has provided a rare glimpse into the perks and privileges enjoyed by members of the Australian Capital Territory's Legislative Assembly.
The Canberra Times examined disclosures from the period following the October 2024 election through to September 2025, uncovering details of international travel, exclusive airline lounge memberships, and a range of gifts accepted by local representatives.
Chief Minister leads the way in travel spending
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, who also holds the Tourism and Trade portfolio, was the most frequent traveller during the review period. From October 2024 to September 2025, he embarked on 16 official trips spanning 62 days.
His itinerary included destinations such as China, Fiji, New Zealand, Japan, and multiple Australian cities including Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Darwin, and Brisbane. The total cost to taxpayers for these journeys, which included expenses for ministerial staff, amounted to $114,082.
The second most travelled minister was Michael Pettersson, who claimed nearly $9,000 for five domestic trips related to ministerial duties.
In a notable overseas excursion, Canberra Liberals member Chiaka Barry and Labor backbencher Taimus Werner-Gibbings spent 11 days in the Isle of Man at a combined cost of over $38,000. They attended a workshop on Strong and Independent Parliaments in Small Jurisdictions, organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
The exclusive world of airline lounge access
While the Chief Minister logged the most frequent flyer miles, it appears many of his cabinet colleagues enjoyed more exclusive travel amenities. An examination of declared interests reveals that nine of the ACT's 25 Legislative Assembly members hold coveted Qantas Chairman's Lounge memberships.
This invite-only list includes six Labor ministers, Canberra Liberals leader Mark Parton, and ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury. Labor's Marisa Paterson noted she joined after submitting her last disclosure.
Qantas is not the only airline offering elite access. Treasurer Chris Steel and former Canberra Liberals leader Leanne Castley declared Annual Virgin Australia Beyond Lounge Memberships, described as the "highest tier of loyalty at Virgin Australia." Ms Castley stated her membership was cancelled after she stepped down as party leader.
Qantas Chairman's Lounge members (as of December 2025)
- Mark Parton, Canberra Liberals leader
- Shane Rattenbury, ACT Greens leader
- Yvette Berry, ACT Labor Deputy Chief Minister
- Tara Cheyne, ACT Labor minister
- Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Labor minister
- Michael Pettersson, ACT Labor minister
- Suzanne Orr, ACT Labor minister
- Marisa Paterson, ACT Labor minister
- Elizabeth Lee, Canberra Liberals politician
Gifts, freebies, and political interests
The register of declared gifts, which requires disclosure of items valued at $200 or more, offers further insight into the lives of local politicians.
Former Canberra Liberals leader Leanne Castley declared the highest value in hospitality gifts, accepting $6,324 worth of invitations to approximately 20 dinners and events. These included the Canberra Raiders' 2025 Meninga Medal Awards Night, the Master Builders Association ACT Excellence Awards, and the Property Council of Australia's International Women's Day Luncheon.
She also declared a $32,000 scholarship to the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership, a four-month program for parliamentarians considered potential ministers.
Her successor, Mark Parton, declared nearly $2,200 in hospitality gifts, including a Carbine Club Black Opal lunch at the National Press Club and a Black Opal Race Day lunch.
On the cultural front, Labor's Caitlin Tough, a self-described theatre enthusiast, accepted double tickets to several performances at The Canberra Theatre. Arts Minister Michael Pettersson also declared tickets for shows including Romeo and Juliet and the opera Der Rosenkavalier.
Sports appear to be a popular interest, with Taimus Werner-Gibbings declaring tickets to GWS Giants, Brumbies, Raiders, and National Basketball League games. Canberra Liberals member James Milligan declared memberships to the Catalina Golf Club in Batemans Bay for himself and his partner.
In a notable financial disclosure, Minister for Gaming and Racing Marisa Paterson declared stakes in cryptocurrency, a notoriously high-risk investment.
Meanwhile, the gifts register painted a more modest picture for some. Newly appointed speaker Jeremy Hanson declared only a Christmas hamper valued at $100 from Master Builders ACT. ACT Greens members Andrew Braddock and Jo Clay had nothing to declare, with Ms Clay noting donations to more than 40 organisations instead.
Property portfolios and personal finances
An examination of property holdings reveals that the ACT Legislative Assembly is predominantly composed of home owners. ACT Greens politician Laura Nuttall, aged 26, and Canberra Liberals deputy leader Deborah Morris appear to be the only members who do not personally own property, though Ms Morris's husband owns a house.
Along with Caitlin Tough, they are also the only politicians to disclose HECS-HELP student loans, though Ms Nuttall removed mention of her loan from her declaration in November 2025.
Several politicians maintain holiday homes and investment properties. Canberra Liberals' Chiaka Barry boasts the most substantial housing portfolio, declaring four mortgages and rental income on properties in Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.
In a final personal finance detail, Chief Minister Andrew Barr declared the most credit cards of any member, holding five cards in total with various financial institutions.
The disclosures provide Canberra residents with a transparent, if sometimes surprising, look at the benefits and burdens shouldered by their elected representatives.
