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Aussie MP to repay taxpayers for exorbitant internet bills
Published:  Oct 6, 2018 3:36 PM
Updated: 7:49 AM

Australia's assistant treasurer Stuart Robert has promised to pay back thousands of dollars of taxpayer money he claimed for his home internet bills, China’s Xinhua news agency reported .

The MP came under fire on Friday after it was revealed that he charged taxpayers more than A$11,000 (RM32,230) for internet at his Queensland home over a six-month period after he exceeded his data allowance.

The bills worked out to an average of A$90 per day despite some internet service providers (ISPs) offering unlimited data packages for A$90 per month.

In a statement released on Friday night, he said that his home was located a significant distance from the telephone exchange resulting in poor broadband internet connectivity but said he would repay the money.

"The costs are much higher than anticipated and higher than what our community expects," he said.

"Accordingly I will immediately and voluntarily pay back the total amount to ensure I continue to meet community expectations and standards."

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the MP responsible for the administration of entitlements was investigating the matter.

"Once I've heard from the special minister of state, we'll take the next step. I think (voters would) want an explanation and that's why I've asked for one."

Robert served as the human services minister for five months between September 2015 and February 2016 but was sacked by then-PM Malcolm Turnbull after he "acted inconsistently" with ministerial standards by using his position to help a company that he had a financial interest in.

- Bernama 

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