Australian members of parliament are not allowed to use frequent flyer miles earned on business for personal travel. Instead, they’re supposed to use their miles to save money on official trips. But almost none do.

The policy is said to have saved all of AU$4096.34 during the first half of 2003. The article cites difficulty in redeeming awards and lack of flexibility on award tickets.

Just as likely, there’s little incentive to save money. Booking award tickets takes extra effort when paying with someone else’s money is easier. And if a member of parliament retires, they’ll still have miles which can then be used personally.

And yet the article doesn’t mention anyone considering dropping the requirement, as was done in the United States.