In a significant tightening of parliamentary entitlements, federal politicians will see their family reunion travel benefits substantially reduced, with loved ones now required to fly economy class and facing new restrictions on nationwide travel.
Economy Class Mandated, Australia-Wide Travel Curtailed
The independent Remuneration Tribunal has handed down sweeping changes, moving away from the previous system which allowed spouses up to nine business class return flights to Canberra and three economy flights per child. The entitlement will now be calculated solely on the basis of economy class fares.
Furthermore, the standalone allowance for family members to travel anywhere in Australia – previously capped at three return business-class airfares – has been completely abolished. Instead, MPs will be able to access one return economy fare per year to a single Australian location outside of Canberra, with the cost deducted from their annual limit for travel to the capital and within their electorate.
Government Acts on Expenses Scandal
The review was initiated last month by Special Minister of State Don Farrell and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, as controversy over parliamentary travel expenses intensified. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had publicly called for rules to be tightened, while also expressing a desire to ensure MPs with children were not disadvantaged, to maintain a Parliament that reflects "Australia in all its diversity".
The government's formal recommendation to the tribunal was clear: "all family reunion travel must be booked in economy class" and access to Australia-wide travel should be effectively removed.
In its statement published on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the tribunal acknowledged that while it considered a complete ban on Australia-wide travel, parliamentary work is "not exclusively" done in Canberra. However, it placed a firm onus on MPs, stating they "must apply good judgement" when using the entitlement.
Strict Criteria and Oversight Introduced
The new framework introduces stricter criteria for when the entitlement can be used. MPs must only claim it when they are travelling "for the dominant purpose of conducting their parliamentary business" and the family member is joining them primarily to facilitate family life.
Before any booking is made, parliamentarians are now required to seek advice from the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) to determine if the proposed travel is appropriate and meets the criteria.
A government spokesperson confirmed the Albanese government would implement the tribunal's recommendations, seeking to draft and amend relevant regulations "in consultation with the opposition and other parliamentary parties."
Balancing Public Scrutiny with Parliamentary Realities
The tribunal's decision carefully balances widespread community concern with the practical demands of parliamentary life. It noted the public's "concerns about the frequency, travel class, adherence to the actual intent and spirit of, and overall cost" of the travel scheme.
However, it also recognised that parliamentarians based outside the Australian Capital Territory spend roughly a quarter of each year in Canberra, making family reunion travel important, particularly for those with children. The tribunal stated that conditions should "reasonably facilitate the attraction and retention of talented individuals from diverse backgrounds."
Data from the 2024-25 financial year showed the majority of MPs – 194 out of 226 – did not claim any Australia-wide family travel. The tribunal noted that parliamentarians generally made "appropriate and modest use" of the provisions, with only 11 per cent of the relevant budgets being used.
The government spokesperson reiterated that such expenses are "vital for the functioning of our parliamentary democracy," while expecting all members and senators to ensure their appropriate use.
