THE justification of Parliament allowances by referring to being "within the guidelines" appears to be conscience easing.

I refer to the excessive allowance claims by two honourable members $50,000 and $30,000 and the report of a senior government member hiring helicopters to fly around the electorate.

Also the claim of a multi-millionaire being able to justify paying only five cents in the dollar tax within the guidelines.

This legislation was introduced by politicians who would benefit from this and, it would appear, the phrase "within the guidelines" is worded in such a way that a favourable interpretation can be assured.

When reported to be involved in tax minimisation, claim the account to be a managed account.

M W KELLY Tivoli