have obtained receipts lodged by 20 staff in the 2017-18 financial year under freedom of information laws that show taxpayers have funded the purchase of activewear, accessories and sports gear at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.Some of the items bought by ACCC staff with their taxpayer-funded healthy lifestyle allowance.
At electronics giant JB Hi-Fi, an employee bought $79 bluetooth sweat-proof headphones in red. Again at JB Hi-Fi, another worker bought a $74 Fitbit in lavender and charged the taxpayer for the device, which tracks exercise. Another employee made all their purchases at online giant The Iconic, buying a Puma brand "boyfriend tank" and Bonds hoodie among other exercise gear.
"Staff are able to claim up to $299[.99] annually for the purpose of participating in a healthy lifestyle activity; for example, to purchase items such as apparel, sunglasses, shoes or equipment for walking, hiking, cycling, running, skiing etc," he said in a statement.