Dozens of politicians travel overseas on the taxpayer during ‘winter break’

SEE THE LIST – Where they’ve been travelling…

Taxpayers are funding overseas adventures for nearly 30 state government MPs this winter.

And despite promises of improved transparency, the cost of those trips remains unknown.

28 MPs have admitted to travelling overseas on the public purse during six-week long winter break.

Treasurer Tim Pallas is among the best travelled, with trips to Hong Kong, China, New York and London.

He says the aim of his trip is to encourage investment in Victoria.

Opposition leader Matthew Guy went to Israel and Greece.

Tim Bull and Tim McCurdy walked the Kokoda track.

Five members of the Law Reform Committee are looking at drug treatment in Europe and the United States.

Their destinations include Geneva, Lisbon, London, Vancouver, Denver and Sacramento.

James Purcell and his wife went to the UK to look at nuclear power.

MPs are entitled to claim overseas travel for study or work related purposes.

The Andrews Government promised to overhaul the allowance system after the Speaker and Deputy Speaker were forced to stand down for misusing entitlements.

Changes announced included having all allowance claims published on parliament’s website.

The website still does not exist, so the cost of the trips remain unknown.

In a statement, the government said it was “overhauling parliamentary allowances.”

“Legislation to boost transparency with the regular reporting of allowances and a Renumeration Tribunal to set MPs pay will be introduced later this year.”

By LAUREN HILBERT

Click PLAY below to hear more on 3AW Mornings