‘Epitome of what is wrong with this government’: Criticism over Tony Burke’s expenses

Former speaker of the House Bronwyn Bishop has criticised Employment Minister Tony Burke over expenses billed during a trip to the US. This comes after it was revealed that Mr Burke spent $57,000 in taxpayer funds during a four-day trip to the United States. Secret documents revealed the minister’s spending at the 30th Australian American Leadership Dialogue trip in July 2022. Ms Bishop says the minister should pay back the $57,000 he billed over the four-day trip. She was subject to criticism from the Employment Minister after spending $5,000 on a chartered helicopter ride in 2015. Ms Bishop has always maintained her trip was within the rules and that it was now time for Mr Burke to reimburse the taxpayer. “He’s really and truly the epitome of what is wrong with this government,” Mr Bishop said.