Bishop copter debacle set to dog Abbott

Greens democracy spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said:

"If Bronwyn Bishop signed the parliamentary form declaring that her $5000 is a legitimate expense then it is fraud and paying back the money is not enough.

"There needs to be an Australian Federal Police investigation.

"If the AFP investigation confirms what appears to be evident then the Speaker should be prosecuted. If convicted Mrs Bishop should resign from parliament.

"If the AFP fails to investigate they are effectively politicising their own actions because of their inconsistency.

"When there was controversy over former Speaker Peter Slipper's use of $900 of his travel allowance the AFP investigated.

"Surely they should investigate this current incident involving the Speaker using $5000 for a short helicopter trip.

"The Bronwyn Bishop debacle is a weeping sore for the Abbott government that must be dealt with.

"The Greens will continue to work for a tighter disclosure regime for all MP allowances.

"This incident is adding to the public's cynicism about MPs and our democratic institutions.

Contact Brami Jean 0487350 880