Senator Tammy Tyrrell’s Adviser Faces $12,000 Hire Car Repayment
An audit by the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority uncovered that Senator Tammy Tyrrell’s senior adviser, Cameron Amos, charged taxpayers nearly $12,000 for hire car use that violated parliamentary expense rules. Amos is negotiating a repayment plan, while the case raises questions about…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On September 27, 2026, the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) released a report that found Senator Tammy Tyrrell’s senior adviser, Cameron Amos, had charged the taxpayer almost $12,000 in hire car fees that were not in line with parliamentary expense rules. The audit, which focused on 27 bookings that contravened the guidelines, highlighted the need for stricter oversight of MPs’ staff expenses and the potential for misuse of public funds.
What Happened?
The audit revealed that Amos, who had been working in Senator Tyrrell’s office since 2015, had used hire cars for travel between Devonport Airport and Burnie in Tasmania, as well as for extended trips that exceeded the maximum allowable period of 10 days. The total cost of the 27 bookings was $11,694.49. The report noted that Amos had hired a car for 29 days in one instance and for 12 days in another, with the taxpayer paying more than $1,300 for the latter trip alone.
Amos has not yet repaid the amount, but he is negotiating a payment plan with the IPEA. The audit also found no evidence that Amos had received approval to keep a hire car for extended periods or to use it for travel around Tasmania beyond the airport‑to‑accommodation route.
Background: Staffing and Expense Rules
Senator Tammy Tyrrell, who defected to the Labor Party earlier this year, was allowed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to retain two senior advisers in addition to the five electorate office staff that every MP is entitled to. This arrangement has drawn criticism from some Labor colleagues who argue that Tyrrell’s workload does not justify the extra staffing, especially when compared to other MPs who hold assistant minister positions or have special envoy duties.
The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority’s audit was triggered by a request from Senator Jacqui Lambie, who asked the watchdog to review Amos’s use of hire cars in February 2024. The audit confirmed that while some of Amos’s bookings were within the rules—such as travel between Devonport Airport and Burnie—many were not. The IPEA’s guidelines state that hire cars can only be used for work‑related purposes, must be approved by the MP or a designated employee, and cannot exceed 10 days in a single booking.
Amos’s Response and the Wider Implications
In a formal response to the audit, Amos defended his actions, claiming that he had never made inappropriate expense claims and that he had often declined to claim expenses that he was entitled to in order to avoid a “bad look.” He stated that he believed he was saving taxpayers money by not using taxis for the 110km return trip between Devonport Airport and Burnie.
Amos’s comments have sparked debate about the culture of expense claims within parliamentary offices. While some view his actions as a misunderstanding of the rules, others see them as a clear breach that undermines public trust. The case also highlights the challenges of managing staff resources when MPs switch parties or take on additional responsibilities.
Next Steps and Unresolved Questions
Amos is currently negotiating a repayment plan with the IPEA, but the final terms have not yet been agreed upon. The audit report does not indicate whether additional investigations will be launched into Tyrrell’s staffing decisions or into the broader use of hire cars by other MPs.
As the case unfolds, parliamentary officials will likely review the approval process for staff expenses and consider tightening the guidelines to prevent similar incidents. The public will be watching closely to see whether the IPEA’s findings lead to policy changes or further scrutiny of MPs’ spending.
Until a resolution is reached, the situation remains a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds by elected officials and their staff.
Key facts
- Cameron Amos charged $11,694.49 in hire car fees that breached rules
- Senator Tammy Tyrrell’s staffing decisions are under scrutiny
- The audit revealed gaps in approval processes for staff travel
- Amos is negotiating a repayment plan with the IPEA
- Potential policy changes may arise from this case
Why it matters
The incident underscores the need for strict oversight of parliamentary expenses to maintain public trust and ensure taxpayer money is used appropriately.
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules for hire car use in parliamentary offices?
Hire cars can only be used for work‑related purposes, must be approved by the MP or a designated employee, and cannot exceed 10 days in a single booking.
How did the audit identify the improper bookings?
The IPEA reviewed expense claims and found 27 bookings that did not comply with the guidelines, including extended stays and weekend usage.
What is the potential impact on Senator Tyrrell’s staff?
The case may prompt a review of staffing arrangements and expense approvals for MPs who have recently switched parties or taken on additional roles.
Will there be policy changes following this audit?
The IPEA may recommend stricter controls on staff expenses, but no definitive policy changes have been announced yet.
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Payment plan: Labor senator’s extra staffer told to pay back $12,000 hire car bill”
