Albanese gives three ministers extra staff worth $550,000 amid crossbench accusations of unfairness
PM defends move, pointing to broader increase in staffing for all MPs. Crossbench and integrity experts renew calls for independent allocation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has awarded additional staff to three ministers, Defence Minister Richard Marles, Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain and Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino, at a total cost of $550,000, as crossbench MPs accuse him of failing to play fair over his sole discretion to set staffing levels for all federal politicians. The hires, made between May and October, come amid pressure from One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and independent senator Fatima Payman to hand the power to an independent body.