[pugsville]

Are there any standards or consistency about the way Australian politicians expense claims are handled?

Why does Bishop get to just pay the money back and Slipper not?

[Ornate Placebo]

Political opportunism, mostly.

Slipper's expenses rort was minor compared to Bishops. The nature, however, of intentionally and dishonestly filling out the dockets as parliamentary expenses, when he was visiting wineries and not doing anything remotely political was a major contributing factor and pretty serious.

Oh, and the allegations of sexual harassment compounded to make his integrity seem damaged beyond repair.


Like I said though, Gillard backing Slipper and Abbott backing Bishop and Abbott attacking Slipper but defending Bishop is just political opportunism. Gillard needed the numbers and Abbott saw an opportunity.

[pugsville]

Wow the depths of poor lies and excuses that Speaker Bishop will resort to. Both trips to colleagues weddings co-incided with "secret" undocumented meetings for committees she was on. Does anyone at all believe this utter crap.