Bob Hawke is claimed to have made 100 trips to China.

No doubt these trips included fares and accommodation funded from his extravagant "allowance" as a retired prime minister.

It seems that it is simple for politicians to gorge themselves to excess on public funds.

I shudder to think just how much we taxpayers fork out to fund the regal lifestyles of present and past politicians.

They are allowed secondary accommodation in Canberra for which they are compensated and no doubt realise capital gain when they eventually sell up.

Crikey, they even get free meals and drinks in Canberra.

The government is also determined to alter the means test for part pensioners presumably to help maintain their own luxurious lifestyles.

It is no longer acceptable when questioned about these rorts to glibly say they are allowable expenses. When is it too much?

It is now time for a serious review.

Peter Mason

Lemon Tree Passage