Speaker frontrunner Philip Ruddock claimed AU$9000 for Perth trip with wife

With all the hullabaloo over a potential future speaker for the Australian Federal parliament, veteran Liberal MP Philip Ruddock might not be the best one for the job as he and his wife have reportedly spent almost AU$9000 of the taxpayer's money while travelling to Perth last year for a work trip. The spending included attending a Hollywood-themed ball too, reported The Australian.

The news comes after liberal MP Philip Ruddock expressed his interest to replace Bronwyn Bishop as a speaker, who quit following her spending scandal. The public pressured her to resign when it was learnt she had spent thousands of dollars of taxpayers' money on a helicopter ride from Melbourne to Geelong for a fundraiser last November.

“I am making no statement, however if my parliamentary colleagues wish me to do so, I’d be happy to serve,” Mr Ruddock has told News Corp.

News.com reported that the couple attended the ball in September 2014, held at Crown Perth and hosted by the West Australian Chinese Chamber of Commerce along with 700 guests. The ball, which was described as “a touch of exotic Hollywood glamour,” had its tickets priced at AU$5500 for a table of 10.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott had also made an appearance at the ball via video link to deliver a “special address.” Ruddock, during his “chief whip official business” trip, claimed AU$1876 in travelling allowance, AU$157 on Comcars and AU$357 on other car costs.

He confirmed having a meeting with deputy whip Nola Marino during the trip, which continued for almost half a day. “We had some difficult issues, not just related to some individuals,” Ruddock said. However, he also said that he saw other colleagues, who he wouldn’t name.

Although Ruddock is admired for his previous work as an Immigration Minister and Attorney-General, many MPs have raised concerns about his credibility as a speaker. However, they said that a “calm and cool” backbencher should take over the post.

Along with Ruddock, South Australian Liberal MP Andrew Southcott also confirmed that he would stand for the position and offer himself as a candidate during the next Liberal Parliamentary Party meeting. “It was both unexpected and flattering for my name to be put forward as a potential next Speaker of the House of Representatives,” Mr Southcott said.

Former deputy speaker and Respected Nationals MP Bruce Scott is also considered a potential candidate for the position as he’s been assisting in similar positions since 2002. Russell Broadbent, a Liberal moderate, has expressed his interest in the role as well, telling ABC that it was “possible” because he already had the Prime Minister’s support.

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