Nat Barr calls out Anthony Albanese’s right-hand man Tony Burke over his $57k taxpayer-funded spending spree in America

Sunrise host Natalie Barr has slammed employment and workplace relations minister Tony Burke for ‘taking the mickey’ out of taxpayers who footed the hefty bill for a short trip to the United States. 

The federal minister and a staff member racked up a $57,000 bill over four days while attending the 30th Australian American Leadership Dialogue in July 2022.

The expenses were double than that of Defence Minister Richard Marles on the same trip.

Mr Burke’s spending spree funded by taxpayers included a whopping $44,000 on business class flights, $4000 on accommodation and food and more than $8000 on hire cars — including having a private car waiting on hand for 10 hours, according to documents obtained under the Freedom Information Act by The Daily Telegraph.

Barr was astonished at the expenses incurred by Mr Burke.

‘Maybe we need to get some auditors in,’ Nat Barr said. 

Employment and workplace relations minister Tony Burke (pictured inparliament) racked up a $57,000 bill over four days during a four-day US trip in 2022

Labor’s home affairs minister Clare O’Neil to leapt to her colleagues defence when she appeared on the program on Wednesday morning.

‘Look, Nat, as federal politicians, we do have to travel constantly,’Ms O’Neil began. 

‘International travel is a part of that. Absolutely I recognise the cost of these things. 

‘But it is really important for our country that our nation get represented overseas.’

Barr’s biggest gripe was over the amount spent on hire cars. 

‘$8,000 on hire cars for four days though, it sounds like you could get Ubers for a lot cheaper than that,’ she remarked.

‘Do you reckon we could maybe do some fancy Ubers or something? 

‘That’s a lot that taxpayers are paying. One car had to wait for 10 hours apparently. One private car for 10 hours, just sitting there!’

The discussion between Ms O’Neil, Barr and Liberal Senator Jane Hume heated up after she vowed to take the feedback back to the Labor government. 

Tony Burke is Anthony Albanese’s ‘right hand man’ in Parliament 

‘I will just say that genuinely it is so important that we have our country represented overseas,’ Ms O’Neil said

‘So much of our defence, trade, national security depends on these close relationships.’

Senator Hume interjected: ‘But he doesn’t do any of those things. Workplace relations, manager of government business? That doesn’t really sound very internationally-focused.’

Barr added: ‘Look we understand you’ve got to travel.  You just don’t want to take the mickey.’ 

Mr Burke’s spending spree has renewed calls for more transparency on parliamentary spending. 

Assistant Competition Minister Andrew Leigh, Opposition leader Peter Dutton, MP Sarah Henderson and former minister Simon Birmingham were also all on the same trip but are yet to claim any expenses. 

Mr Burke justified his attendance at the event at the time.

‘I was invited to the AALD because of my portfolio, which is especially relevant to this year’s forum program which covers employment and workplace relations,’ he said.

‘I will also be presenting on the Australian Parliament in my capacity as Leader of the House. During my visit I will also be meeting with key stakeholders and officials related to my employment and workplace relations portfolio. 

‘Additionally, I will attend AUKUS-related meetings at the White House and Congress.’