For most politicians in small, city-based or urban electorates it is a perk - symptomatic of a privileged existence some politicians think they are entitled to.

The budget for charter flights in the Senate alone is $1.4 million. Understandably MPs in large electorates deserve a charter budget because they often have to go where commercial flights are unavailable or a where a vehicle would take too long.

MPs in smaller electorates get a charter budget of up to $21,160 a year.

Tasmanian Senators receive almost $15,000 a year allocated for charter. Why? Where on earth would they need to go so urgently within this tiny state that could not be driven?

They would not require chartered aircraft for the Bass Strait islands, when there are regular airline services available. The only exception would be travel required to the West Coast during extreme winter conditions.

Politicians will spend whatever you give them. If you give them a large printing allowance they will spend it on elections. They will use their taxpayer-funded mobile phones like there's no tomorrow, and come up with all manner of excuses to fly across Australia and live on their taxpayer-funded travel allowances.

They will indulge in outrageous expenditure on their perks, as long as it's legal. There's no moral high ground or sanctuary in the abuse of entitlements. They all do it.

Bronwyn Bishop has resigned as speaker as she ought to. As Prime Minister Tony Abbott said, in Mrs Bishop's case there was a disconnect between what is legally acceptable and community expectations.

She had to resign because her colleagues had cut her adrift and her credibility was shot to pieces. Her seniority in the Parliament in terms of rank and length of service made a belated apology last week hollow and meaningless.

Sadly she is not alone. For instance the business class gold airline pass for retired veterans is still accessible to MPs who retired decades ago. It has been modified and closed to new politicians, but still exists.

Mr Abbott's entitlements review must be thorough with broad terms of reference. We demand it.