Abott on Bishop’s apology

Speaker Bronwyn Bishop faced the camera for the first time after an accusation of being involved in an expenses scandal. She apologised publicly for hiring a helicopter for Liberal Party fundraiser, which she believes to be an unintentional move. After the travel scandal, Prime Minister Tony Abott strictly stated that no politician has the right to disobey the rules and regulations.

Around a week ago, Bishop got engulfed by an allegation of chartering a helicopter using taxpayer money to attend a Liberal Party fundraiser last year. Bishop, however, maintained that the travel entitlements were as per rules and she did not try to violate them. The Speaker regretted her late apology but at the same time refused all calls demanding for her resignation.

Mr Abott, the leader of the Liberal Party, sided with and trusted Bishop. “She’s repaid the money with penalties, she is obviously deeply remorseful,” the PM told radio station 2SM. In addition to his support to Bishop, he also said, “If there’s one lesson that every single politician must have had reinforced by all of this, it is that you cannot get away with exploiting the rules.”

Abott, on Bishop’s late entitlement claims, said that in case there is anything outside the rules, it will be paid immediately with added penalties. The Finance Department, however, is reviewing the expenditures made by Bishop over the past few years. Apart from Abott, Cabinet Minister Christopher Pyne also supported the Speaker by declaring the matter to be closed.

On the other hand, opposition member Anthony Albanese told Channel Nine, “An apology that’s got out with a crowbar is not taken seriously.” He also believes that the voters won’t ever accept Bishop’s apology.

After such a political issue arising out of the entitlement rules for travel, Mr Abott indicated the upcoming tight changes in the travel entitlement rules for political authorities.

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