"TAXPAYERS footed a bill of $1150 when Tony Abbott participated in the 2012 Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge.
Official documents from the Department of Finance show the Opposition Leader claimed $349 in travel expenses for his one-night stay in Coffs Harbour as well as $653.24 in airfares and a further $148.75 for the use of Commonwealth vehicles.
Further research shows Mr Abbott also claimed expenses to participate in other events last year - namely the Pier to Pub swim in Lorne, the Hervey Bay Surf Lifesaving Pier to Pub swim and Wagga Wagga's Lake to Lagoon fun run - at a total cost of $5510.88."
