Queensland taxpayers foot $35,000 bill for MPs' parliamentary overnight stays

Queensland taxpayers funded almost $35,000 in overnight stays for state politicians at parliament last financial year. Budget estimates revealed a significant jump in usage, with 191 overnight stays reported, a sharp increase from just 39 the year prior. Thirty-three members utilized the parliamentary annexe for personal stays, compared to 13 in the 2024-25 financial year. One Member of Parliament reported an exceptionally high 36 stays, with another reporting 20.

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I would be very reluctant to do that.

Members of Parliament are permitted to use accommodation at the parliamentary annexe for personal use, but these stays incur fringe benefits tax. The total tax bill for these accommodations reached nearly $35,000 last financial year, a substantial rise from just over $7,000 in the preceding year. The identities of the MPs who stayed overnight were kept confidential, with officials citing personal reasons.

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We have had instances where we have had members that have significant challenges in their lives that have stayed at this parliament.

During the same estimates hearing, it was also disclosed that the parliamentary dining room extended its operating hours beyond sitting weeks under the LNP government. This extension cost taxpayers approximately $56,000 last financial year. The Clerk of the Parliament, Neil Laurie, explained the extended hours were primarily to accommodate regional ministers who are in Brisbane when parliament is not in session.

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We don't treat members party by party here and I don't want to start a slippery slope where we're treating members according to party rather than according to the fact that they're members.

Labor opposition members questioned parliamentary speaker Pat Weir about releasing a breakdown of overnight stays by political party. Mr. Weir expressed strong reluctance, stating he would not release the information. He cited instances where members faced significant personal challenges, leading them to stay at the parliament. "I have no intention to go any further than where we are," Mr. Weir told the hearing. Mr. Laurie supported this stance, emphasizing that the parliament does not treat members by party affiliation and wants to avoid setting a precedent for such distinctions.

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I just don't want to go there, and I don't think anyone should.