Canberra politicians have been slugging taxpayers thousands of dollars simply for driving across town to their Parliament House offices.

MPs and senators who live within 30 kilometres of Parliament House can claim $86 a day, before tax, for turning up to work at Capital Hill when the Parliament is sitting or to attend committee meetings.

ACT Liberal Senator Zed Seselja has been paid about $10,200 to commute. Credit:Jamila Toderas

But the 221 interstate parliamentarians remain well ahead, able to claim $270 per night to cover their accommodation in the capital.

One Canberra Labor MP and a senator are refusing to claim the allowance, with Fairfax media told ACT Senator Katy Gallagher and Canberra MP Gai Brodtmann do not think it is appropriate to claim money for going to the workplace when it's a short drive from their homes.