Australian parliamentary watchdog finds staffer misused hire car funds

The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority has found that Cameron Amos, a senior adviser to Senator Tammy Tyrrell, inappropriately charged taxpayers nearly $12,000 in hire car fees. Amos, a veteran political staffer, has yet to repay the amount accrued while he was working for Tyrrell and Senator Jacqui Lambie.

Amos reportedly used the vehicles for travel between Canberra and northern Tasmania, specifically between Devonport Airport and Burnie. He maintained that the use of hire cars was approved and intended to save taxpayer money compared to taxi fares for the 110km return trips. The audit was prompted by a request from Senator Lambie in February 2024.

The expense controversy follows recent scrutiny regarding Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to allow Tyrrell to retain two well-paid senior advisers after she defected to the Labor Party. This staffing arrangement has drawn criticism from colleagues who argue the additional resources are disproportionate to her workload.