MPs expenses
The quarterly disclosures are out for MPs and Ministers.
Top Ministers in terms of internal costs were:
- PM $121,884
- Judith Collins $74,138
- Pita Sharples $72,473
- Steven Joyce $62,223
- Tariana Turia $57,260
Worth remembering that expenses are to some degree a reflection of activity and location. Also affected by whether their ministerial home is owned or rented.
Total ministerial expenses for Q4 2011 were $1.16m plus $0.32m overseas travel for $1.48m. The year before in Q4 2010 it was $1.13m plus $0.86m overseas travel for $1.99m total. Obviously with the election, less travel.
Top MPs were:
- Hone Harawira $54,961
- Phil Goff $32,566
- Rahui Katene $29,436
- Kevin Hague $28,763
- David Cunliffe $28,040
The total MPs expenses for the quarter were $3.15m. For Q4 2010, it was $1.80m. I guess the election saw a lot of taxpayer funded travel.