Ex-PMs cost taxpayers $500,000

New figures show former prime ministers have notched up almost $500,000 in taxpayer spending on travel and other costs.

Six former prime ministers cost taxpayers almost $500,000 in travel and other expenses in the first six months of 2015.

The latest figures from the Finance Department show the ex-leaders, including Malcolm Fraser who died in March, racked up $487,000 in travel, office costs, telephones and cars.

John Howard topped the list, spending just under $145,000.