Senator defends travel claim during defamation case

The Liberal senator also charged taxpayers $1060 for return flights from Alice Springs to Darwin, where the case was heard.

The senator said all travel claims were within official guidelines.

She was defending a defamation suit brought by an Indigenous land council over a media release she issued in July 2024.

Two family members billed $550 each to return with her from Darwin to Alice Springs, where she lives, on October 30 as well.

Senator Nampijinpa Price said she undertook parliamentary duties during that period "consistent with my responsibilities as a senator representing Territorians".

"The travel and accommodation claims referenced were made in full compliance with the rules of the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority," she told AAP.

Under travel entitlement rules, MPs must ensure parliamentary business is the dominant purpose of their travel and that they engage in good faith.

The latest data also reveals One Nation leader Pauline Hanson charged taxpayers almost $9000 for a chartered plane to attend the opening of a private college building funded by billionaire Gina Rinehart.

Senator Hanson took a chartered flight from Tamworth in NSW to Avalon in Victoria in October to attend the opening of the $11.3 million Nicholas Hancock House at Marcus Oldham College, where Hancock Agriculture CEO Adam Giles delivered the opening address.

Commercial options weren't available and the cheapest of five quotes for chartered planes was used, a spokesperson for Senator Hanson said.

Senator Hanson attended the opening because the building provided Queensland students with "a home away from home" during their studies, the spokesperson said.

"She also had discussions about increases in HECS loans imposed on students attending the college, a private institution which receives no taxpayer funding."

The parliamentary watchdog updated its travel entitlement rules after the prime minister requested a review of family benefits.

Entitlements have been tightened, including scrapping families flying business class, after it emerged MPs had charged taxpayers to fly them and their families to attend sporting events and holidays.