Advantages of Incumbency
Authors
Media release
Incumbent MPs, senators reap millions in election advantages
Selected media impact
Sitting MPs’ advantage
Sitting politicians receive millions in public funding that support re-election.
Every election cycle, each Member of Parliament is entitled to a least $2.9 million, and each Senator to at least $2.6 million worth of salary, office and travel allowances, and staff.
These resources can be used towards re-election campaigns, creating barriers to entry for challengers that help explain why 90% of incumbents get re-elected.