Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says a $16.4 million bill racked up by her ministers and their offices in six months is a 3.4 per cent drop and is evidence of responsible spending.
The Public Report of Ministerial Expenses, tabled in parliament on Tuesday, shows staff salaries made up the bulk of the $16,474,369 in ministerial expenses for the last half of 2009.
The salary component accounted for just over $10.5 million in the six months to December 31.
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While total salary costs were up two per cent on the same period in 2008, Ms Bligh told parliament the increase was still "well below enterprise bargaining increases".
When compared to the 2008 period, Ms Bligh said overall ministerial office expenditure ($3,663,246) had decreased by $580,700, or 3.4 per cent.
"Mr Speaker this report shows that ministerial expenditure has remained responsible under my guidance and that fiscal responsibility is a cornerstone of our government's approach," she said.
However, Ms Bligh admitted some office expense increases were in her own office, with those for rent and utilities increasing by 8.43 per cent.
"Inevitably, some expenses are up and other expenses are down," she said.
"Overall, any cost increases have been well and truly offset by savings."
Rookie cabinet member Minister for Main Roads Craig Wallace MP had the highest minister expenditure, with $77,566.
However, more than $20,000 of it was made up of travel to and from his north Queensland electorate in Townsville.
Meanwhile, overseas travel and official duties cost taxpayers a total of $83,758, with Treasurer Andrew Fraser ($31,676) and Ms Bligh ($21,829) making up the bulk of that amount.
