Pollies get cracking on gift reports

Barramundi, a limited edition version of Monopoly, Bruce Springsteen tickets and a “vegan leather jacket” are just some of the gifts MPs have declared receiving since the intense scrutiny on politicians’ entitlements over summer prompted Sussan Ley to resign as health minister.

Other politicians have also declared tickets to the Australian Open in Melbourne, Test matches, musicals and overseas research trips and speaking engagements.

Legislation to overhaul the political entitlements system, introduced by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull after public outcry over expense claim revelations, is expected to pass the Lower House shortly.

But it appears some MPs are already being more rigorous in their interest register disclosures.

Newly elected Northern Territory Labor MP Luke Gosling declared receiving four barramundi valued at about $160 in total from the Humpty Doo Barra Farm, as well as tickets to the Minerals Council gala.

WA Labor MP Anne Aly reported receiving a vegan leather jacket from ethical fashion boutique James and Co valued at $150.

Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese and Labor MPs Sharon Bird, Tim Hammond and Stephen Jones declared receiving a special caravanning and camping edition of Monopoly from the Caravan Industry Association of Australia over the Christmas break.

Ms Bird also declared a book and CD from the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester, Labor frontbencher Brendan O’Connor and WA Labor MP Matt Keogh declared receiving tickets to Bruce Springsteen.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop disclosed being given running shoes from a Japanese resort.

Twelve MPs also declared tickets to the Australian Open tennis, nine had tickets to Test or Big Bash cricket matches, 12 declared being sponsored to travel for a speaking or research engagement and six declared attending music festivals, musicals or plays over the summer holidays.

The PM’s office and Opposition Leader’s office confirmed there had been no directive to Liberal or Labor MPs regarding reporting.

Ms Aly said while it was good to see MPs being detailed in their reporting, there should also be an anti-corruption watchdog to oversee expense claims, gifts and donations. Mr Gosling, who brought the barramundi to Parliament for a campaign to attract recreational fishers to the Top End, said he had shared the fish with staff and colleagues.