Australia’s senior politicians can claim ‘unlimited’ travel expenses for their spouse, watchdog rules say

Anika Wells has referred her travel spending to the independent oversight body for a detailed examination, which Anthony Albanese has said is ‘appropriate’. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Expenses rules for federal politicians are so broad that ministers and senior politicians have “unlimited” travel entitlements for their spouse, according to guidelines governing spending.

Despite days of controversy around spending by the communications minister, Anika Wells, and growing calls for reform of the rules, Anthony Albanese did not indicate there would be changes to entitlements.