Refusal ... Kevin Rudd, seen here with Professor Ross Garnaut, has declined to pay his own petrol and electricity bills. Picture : Lyndon Mechielsen

The Prime Minister revealed yesterday he would continue to allow taxpayers to pick up his power and petrol bills.

In the wake of the week's Garnaut report, Mr Rudd was asked if he would pay for power, lighting and heating bills at The Lodge.

The Sunday Herald Sun also asked whether he would start to pay his petrol bills for his chauffeur-driven car.

Mr Rudd's office responded: "The Prime Minister will not be changing the long-standing practices of previous prime ministers in relation to these matters.

"The Prime Minister understands the cost-of-living pressures that confront Australia's working families, carers and seniors.

"He also understands that Australians want the Australian Government to take action on climate change."

Taxpayers pick up the bill for the car and The Lodge.

The Government is set to introduce a national Emissions Trading System by 2010 that will increase the cost of energy bills and fuel in the name of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr Rudd has stressed that for a carbon trading system to work, consumers must be hit with a noticeable price rise in order for them to begin reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr Rudd declined to say how much The Lodge and his chauffeur driven car cost taxpayer's last year, referring the Sunday Herald Sun to Government annual reports.

According to Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio estimates, the cost of running The Lodge and Kirribilli House in Sydney is expected to be $1.8 million this financial year.

Mr Rudd, whose wife, Therese Rein's companies turned over about $260 million last year, also has a taxpayer-subsidised nanny for his youngest son and a taxpayer-funded butler paid $78,000 a year.

Mr Rudd earns $370,000 a year, including allowances.

roseabella   |07-05-2008 19:05 This is so ridiculous wouldn't these things be part of Prime Minister Kevin Rudds wage package for gods sake

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