Threat looms on free ride for life
Under current entitlements, retired politicians are allowed to indulge their wanderlust and travel for free, but the lifetime gold pass could soon be revoked.
Federal Coalition MPs reportedly circled the idea in a party room meeting this week, after plans to trim the entitlement were included in the May budget.
A number of adjustments are being considered, including; reducing travel entitlements for all current and former politicians, cutting spouse travel for all except former PMs, a condition that all travel by former MPs be for the public benefit and an extra penalty for those who make wrong claims and must pay them back.
Changes were made back in 2011, when the former Labor Government closed the life-long travel scheme for new MPs while limiting the number of trips per year from 25 to 10.
Now, Victorian MP Russell Broadbent has been named among those questioning plans to cut the deal completely, raising concerns about whether the decision would apply retrospectively.
But Mr Broadbent has also made comments saying he believes the entitlement to be anachronistic.
Queensland senator Ian MacDonald allegedly made similar points and indicated he may not vote in favour.
Queensland MP Warren Entsch reportedly told the party room that MPs and governments should not override decisions made by the Independent Remuneration Tribunal, which controls the pay and entitlements for elected members.