Bowen says Turnbull-era travel expenses rules were changed to simplify them, despite criticism they became broader

Labor minister Chris Bowen said the changes to Turnbull-era rules around politicians’ travel expenses was ‘simply a clarification of the rules to make them simpler’. Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPA

Cabinet minister Chris Bowen says Turnbull-era rules about travel expenses for politicians were changed by the Albanese government before the federal election to simplify them, despite criticism of the subsequent broad wording.

In announcing an overhaul of the home batteries subsidy scheme, Bowen was asked about reporting in the Daily Telegraph that the federal government quietly changed the rules to make it easier for politicians to claim taxpayer-funded flights and accommodation prior to the federal election.