Government use of VIP jets open to potential abuse as defence stops publishing passenger lists

Department ceased releasing details about politicians’ use of business jets, citing potential security threats

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The defence department has stopped providing details about the use of taxpayer-funded VIP jets to Australia’s independent expenses watchdog, leaving it unable to recover funds from the offices of MPs who use them to ferry electorate staff and family across the country.

The defence department in 2021 suddenly ceased publicly releasing details about politicians’ use of its fleet of business jets, citing potential security threats. The lack of transparency has denied journalists the ability to scrutinise how politicians are using the costly special purpose aircraft fleet.

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