The government has tightened the rules on politicians’ travel expenses, after a Fairfax Media campaign revealed MPs were regularly claiming taxpayer money to attend weddings, football matches and check on their far-flung investment properties.

The rule changes, detailed by Special Minister of State Michael Ronaldson in Melbourne this morning, will clamp down on politicians claiming expenses on weekend stopovers at destinations en route to Canberra.

Think twice before charging the taxpayer ... Tony Abbott is expected to introduce a raft of tough rules to stop politicians making dubious travel claims. Credit:Andrew Meares

The changes will also stop politicians employing relatives in parliamentary or electoral offices.

Mr Ronaldson said that MPs will have to sign a strengthened travel declaration where they acknowledge that they would have to repay the claim, with a fine of an additional 25 per cent, if it is later found to be unwarranted.