In a move that will enable her to avoid detailed media questioning about her use of entitlements, embattled minister Anika Wells has referred herself to the authority that oversees parliamentarians’ expenses.
Wells, the Minister for Communications, who is also the Minister for Sport, said in a statement late Tuesday, “I remain confident all my travel and expenses is within the framework but for the avoidance of doubt I have self-referred my expenditure to IPEA (Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority) for an audit”.
Wells needs to be out in the media on Wednesday, when the ban on under-16s having social media accounts begins. With the audit she, as well as the prime minister and other ministers, can shut down questions on her spending, on the grounds an inquiry is being held.
