The Morning Edition $100k flights, uncomfortable truth about PM's wedding, and the fight over social media
Dec 4, 2025
Paul Sakkal, a chief political correspondent, and Natassia Chrysanthos, a federal political correspondent, delve into the eyebrow-raising $100,000 spent by Communications Minister Anika Wells on flights to New York. They discuss the implications of such extravagant expenses amid a cost-of-living crisis and scrutinize the opaque booking processes. The duo also addresses the upcoming social media ban and its challenges, emphasizing the need for transparency in government spending. Plus, they touch on Prime Minister Albanese's recent honeymoon.
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Big Policy, Bigger Spending Questions
- The government's flagship social media ban drew global attention but was overshadowed by a spending controversy.
- Taxpayers paid nearly $100,000 for flights for Annika Wells and two staffers to New York, raising questions about judgment and transparency.
Journalists Go Price-Checking
- Journalists Googled same-day Qantas first-class fares and found returns around $16,000, yet some ministerial tickets were double that.
- The press club host pressed Annika Wells and she denied the trips were first class without fully explaining the high cost.
Expense Stories Feed Public Distrust
- Voters readily interpret high ministerial expenses as evidence of being out of touch, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.
- The government's reluctance to fully explain the costs amplifies narratives of disconnect and potential corruption.