- Julie Bishop has reportedly claimed $32,000 from taxpayer for David Panton
- She nominated him as her designated family member three years ago in 2015
- But she denies that he is her spouse meaning he does not declare his interests
Julie Bishop has reportedly claimed $32,000 from the taxpayer for her boyfriend to travel across Australia to visit her - despite claiming they are not in a 'de facto relationship' so he doesn't have to declare his financial interests.
The Foreign Minister named property developer David Panton as her designated family member in 2015, meaning he became entitled to free domestic flights and Comcar rides as part of MPs' family reunification allowance.
But because she does not classify Mr Panton as her spouse, Ms Bishop has never declared any claims for him on the parliamentary register of interests.
Left: Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop and David Panton arrive for the annual Mid Winter Ball at Parliament House in Canberra in 2016. Right: Julie Bishop and David Panton attend the inaugural Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) Centre for Fashion Bal at Powerhouse Museum on February 1, 2018
This also means she does not have to declare his financial interests in the same way that other MPs have to declare their husbands' and wives' interests.
Details of his income, savings accounts, trust funds, loans and mortgages, properties, shareholdings, directorships, and gifts and hospitality valued above $300 can remain secret.
Ms Bishop lives in Perth while Mr Panton lives in Sydney. She has claimed $32,000 for him to fly across the country and visit her and travel with her on domestic trips from 2015 to 2017, reported the Sydney Morning Herald.
In the first six months of 2015 she allegedly claimed $10,000 in flights and car rides for him.
David Panton (left) and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop pose for a photo with David's two daughters Laura (left) and Sally alongside the Melbourne Cup in the Emirates marquee on Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Saturday October 29 2016
On one weekend she flew him to Perth for $3,000 return before the pair were pictured together at the Leeuwin Estate Concert in Margaret River.
Ms Bishop's spokesman told Daily Mail Australia: 'David Panton is the Minister’s nominated person for the purpose of domestic travel. The Minister is compliant with the Register of Interests.'
There is no suggestion that Ms Bishop or Mr Panton have broken any rules.
Left: The 2017 G'Day Black Tie Gala at Governors Ballroom At Hollywood And Highland on January 28, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Right: The 2016 G'Day Los Angeles Gala at Vibiana on January 28, 2016 in Los Angeles, California
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