Mr Joyce, who has previously billed taxpayers for travel associated with two weddings, described his travel to the NRL games in June and September 2012 in his expense claims as "Shadow Minister - Official Business".

A spokeswoman for Mr Joyce told Fairfax Media that the then Coalition spokesman for regional development, local government and water, was an official guest of Westpac Bank on June 13, 2012 and of the Australian Rugby League Commission on September 14 and 30, 2012.

In an interview with ABC Radio on Wednesday, Mr Joyce said he would not be paying the money for the NRL trips back because, "part of my job is to go things that you're officially invited to".

"The only reason you go to them is because you're invited [as] an official guest. The only reason you're an official guest is because you're a politician. By reason [of] you being there, they talk to you about their business."

He said he had discussed issues such as drugs in sport and an NRL team for central Queensland at the matches, adding that the Rugby League Commission had "every right" to have access to politicians.