Senior Minister Defends Travel Expense Changes, Amidst Ongoing ControversyA senior minister has defended recent changes to travel expense rules for politicians, stating they are a simplification rather than an expansion. The changes, made before the May third election, redefined party political duties under existing provisions. Labor frontbencher Chris Bowen, the energy minister, clarified that there was no actual change to what was allowed or not allowed, just a clearer definition to help people when booking trips. This defense comes after a report highlighted a determination issued by Special Minister of State Don Farrell, which appeared to broaden the definition of party political duties. The use of parliamentary entitlements has been under scrutiny after revelations of Minister for Sport Anika Wells claiming expenses for travel to major events for herself and her husband. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he will seek advice from the parliamentary expenses watchdog on these rules. Both Minister Wells and Attorney-General Michelle Rowland have referred their travel claims to the body for review. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has offered bipartisan support to reform expense rules for politicians, while also calling for Minister Wells to resign from the front bench.

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