Speaker Resigns Over Allegations Of Spending Taxpayer’s Money Extravagantly (Photo)

The speaker of Australia’s House of Representatives has resigned her post following weeks of accusations that she used taxpayer money to pay for extravagant and unnecessary travel.

Bronwyn Bishop has faced fierce criticism after it emerged last month that she spent more than $3,650 to charter a helicopter for an 80km trip to a golf course to attend a fundraiser for the ruling Liberal Party, rather than drive the 90-minute route.

Bishop subsequently apologized for what she called the “ridiculous” expense and repaid the money. However, scrutiny over her other travel expenses continued, including claims that she charged taxpayers for travel costs associated with trips to attend weddings; she later said she would repay those expenses as well.

On Sunday, Sydney’s Daily Telegraph reported that Bishop had used more than $190,000 of taxpayers’ money over the past five years to be driven around in chauffeured cars, limousines and private-plated vehicles.