An Australian politician has proved the age of entitlement is still well and truly alive.
Parliamentary speaker Bronwyn Bishop apparently likes to travel in style. According to the Herald Sun, she took a return private helicopter ride to a political fundraiser a mere 75 kilometres away in November. It cost a cool A$5227.
The trip from Melbourne to Geelong would have only taken her an hour by car each way -- but who wants to drive when you can fly? Not Bishop.
The Hon. Bronwyn Bishop MP, ade a spectacular arrival at Clifton Springs Golf Club on Wednesday November 5th. pic.twitter.com/t5Nqv53HKx— Neil Remeeus (@NeilRemeeus) November 6, 2014
That splurge is nothing in comparison to the A$300,000 coughed up for her overseas trips in 2014, according to Fairfax Media. It seems Bishop likes the finer things in life.
Most people can understand some expense for a politician's overseas travel, but a royal arrival in the town of Geelong appears to be stirring people the very wrong way. Treasurer Joe Hockey has called on Bishop to "please explain," while Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has demanded action be taken.
"Using taxpayer funds to attend a party political event, this is the sort of arrogance which makes Australians so angry," he said on Thursday. "[Prime Minister Tony] Abbott, if he is to retain any respect for his government, must take action on this. It is such a colossally arrogant thing to do."
Seeming to agree with this sentiment, Australians took to Twitter to tear down Bishop's pompous attitude.
Bronwyn Bishop spends $66.66 per km for HELLicopter ride with taxpayer money. Coincidence? Unlikely! #bronwynissatan pic.twitter.com/UCEmS2YI6a— Drew Trott (@Drew_Trott) July 16, 2015
Speaker Bronwyn Bishop boards her $5000 return helicopter flight to Geelong. pic.twitter.com/G3Y2H2C8FM— ABC News Intern (@ABCnewsIntern) July 15, 2015
You're all being a bit harsh about Bronwyn Bishop, after all.......... #auspol pic.twitter.com/q8ldIB2nCp— SpeakSense (@uknowiSS) July 15, 2015
Dear Bronwyn Bishop, next time you want to fly a short distance, this will save the taxpayers a lot of money. #auspol pic.twitter.com/nPdNsGMZWS— SpeakSense (@uknowiSS) July 15, 2015
If Bronwyn Bishop gets in touch I will be happy to provide her with a free copy of NextThere pic.twitter.com/uDQQ5rEQgR— Rupert H (@rpy) July 15, 2015
"But I'm entitled!" says Bronwyn Bishop, reacting to news she spent $5,000 to travel 73km. #auspol #AgeOfEntitlement pic.twitter.com/28wctWZ7AF— Gabe Dowrick (@GabeDowrick) July 15, 2015
Bronwyn Bishop catches a $5,000 flight from Melbourne to Geelong to save 10 minutes! #auspol pic.twitter.com/e03dxXKsJA— Frantic Fred (@mr_smith_oz) July 15, 2015
The memes must have gotten too much for Bishop, on Thursday afternoon the speaker released a statement saying she would pay back the money spent on her scenic trip to Geelong.
"I will reimburse the Department of Finance the costs associated with the use of my charter allowance on 5 November 2014. Whilst my understanding is that this travel was conducted within the rules, to avoid any doubt, I will reimburse the full costs," the statement read.
UPDATED: Thursday, July 16, 3:38 p.m. AEST: Statement released by Bronwyn Bishop.