Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull is facing backlash after revelations taxpayers paid for his wife Lucy to fly interstate to Adelaide – despite the couple living in a Sydney harbourside mansion worth an estimated $150million.
The multimillionaire ex-businessman was named as the former Australian leader who spent the most taxpayer funds in 2025, according to the latest report from the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA), which manages payments to politicians and their staff.
The former PM has claimed $325,935 in expenses since January, more than any other leader. His Sydney office alone has cost taxpayers $294,857.
Turnbull boasts immense personal wealth from his career in investment banking and tech ventures. He was famously dubbed ‘Mr Harbourside Mansion’ by Peta Credlin when he was PM, as he lives in one of Sydney’s most exclusive waterfront properties in Point Piper.
In addition to his office expenses, Turnbull claimed $16,550 in car-related costs, including a $1,000 insurance excess after his government vehicle was sideswiped.
He also claimed $2,905 for his wife Lucy to accompany him on a trip to Adelaide for a conference, the only former PM to claim family travel this year.
Social commentator Prue MacSween criticised Turnbull for accepting taxpayer funds despite his millionaire status.
Lucy and Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) are one of Australia’s wealthiest political couples
‘It grates that someone of Turnbull’s wealth is still on the taxpayer teat. You would think his arrogance and pride would preclude him from accepting taxpayer charity or largesse,’ she told Daily Mail on Wednesday.
‘Our PMs are well remunerated, have free board, lodgings, access to the healthy wine cellar at the Lodge, don’t pay for vehicles or travel, get VIP access to concerts, sports events and overseas trips.
‘All leave office well-remunerated and ready to live the Copacabana life!’, she said, a reference to Anthony Albanese’s $4.3million home on the NSW Central Coast that he purchased last year and plans to retire in.
The spending by former PMs sparked fury on social media, with many Aussie taxpayers questioning why multimillionaires continue to receive public subsidies.
‘They are former servants of the people, not rock stars. And I particularly notice Turnbull the multimillionaire is charging up the most,’ one person said.
‘People are homeless, slugged with high electricity costs and can’t find stable long-term careers anymore, but the ex-PMs keep draining taxpayers for no benefit to the country,’ said someone else.
Another voter said: ‘It is nonsense… [Turnbull] is easily the most independently wealthy of all former PMs, yet has the highest expenses.’
The couple famously own a Point Piper mansion (pictured) estimated to be worth $150million
Turnbull and his wife Lucy rank among Australia’s wealthiest political couples, with an estimated fortune of nearly $200million.
Their wealth stems not from politics, but from decades of savvy business and property investments.
Malcolm’s financial rise began in the 1980s as a lawyer and investment banker.
His biggest windfall came from a $500,000 stake in OzEmail, one of Australia’s first major internet providers, which netted him more than $50million when sold in 1999.
He also served as chairman of Goldman Sachs Australia before entering politics.
Mrs Turnbull, a former Sydney Lord Mayor, also boasts an impressive portfolio and philanthropic ventures.
The Turnbulls made their immense wealth outside politics, both having successful careers
In 2012, Lucy Turnbull acquired two adjoining apartments in New York’s iconic Century building overlooking Central Park.
It is not clear if they still own the NYC property, which was listed for around $22million in 2018.
Despite the controversy, some voters argued the allowances for Australia’s former leaders served a purpose.
‘Yeah I’d rather keep former high-ranking ministers out of commercial lobbying and selling their influence. So if the cost of that is some nice privileges and allowances, I think that’s worth it,’ one person said.
In total, Australian taxpayers spent $1.4million in 2025 on expenses for former prime ministers, excluding their lifetime pensions which can reach hundreds of thousands annually.
Julia Gillard recorded the lowest total at $96,300, while Kevin Rudd claimed $165,000, despite his wife Therese Rein being one of Australia’s wealthiest women.