Australian politicians have spent over $4 million on family reunion travel entitlements since the Albanese government was elected, sparking public outrage over expenses including business class flights and extended car hire costs. Communications Minister Annika Wells has referred her $190,000 travel claim for a six-minute speech in New York to the Independent Parliamentary Allowances authority for investigation. The Opposition is calling for Wells to stand aside from her ministerial duties while the investigation is conducted, particularly as she oversees the social media ban implementation.