Turnbull overseas travel bill hits $500k

The latest report on MP expenses shows the prime minister spent over half a million dollars on overseas travel in six months.

Malcolm Turnbull clocked up more than $500,000 in overseas travel in the second half of last year. (AAP)

Malcolm Turnbull clocked up more than $500,000 in overseas travel in the second half of last year, a new report shows.

The Finance Department on Thursday released expenses figures from former and current federal MPs and senators for the period from July to December 2016.

The prime minister's overseas travel bill came to $509,619, ahead of Trade Minister Steven Ciobo ($417,079) and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop ($304,363).

The report noted payments include fares, transport, accommodation, meals, official hospitality, travel and expense advances, passport, equipment, medical, other related overseas travel costs.

This also includes costs incurred for accompanying spouses and employees.

Among the 54 MPs to use domestic charter flights were NT-based minister Nigel Scullion ($79,150), Nationals MP Mark Coulton ($63,324), Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce ($61,834) and north Queensland independent Bob Katter ($61,199).