The amount the Labor senator received from a Chinese businessman – $1670 – was small change, small change! - Farr was saying. (For a senator with a healthy income, he did clarify.)

And Farr seemed to be implying that the attacks on Dastyari were somehow confected outrage, part of the political theatre of Parliament.

It was another example of how so-called Canberra insiders can become inured to the machinations of federal Parliament and how they really play out in middle Australia.

Because at the nub of the Dastyari affair is greed.

That Dastyari accepted a payment from a Chinese businessman and was potentially beholden to Chinese interests as a result is a matter fully deserving of exploration.

But what really sticks in the craw of many average Australians is that Dastyari, a senator paid a base salary of $200,000 and with access to another $100,000 for expenses, including travel, still wanted more. It doesn't matter how big or small the amount he received, it is that what he is already paid isn't enough, apparently.

Dastyari overspent his travel expenses by $1670 and, instead of covering the amount from his own pocket, accepted a payment from a third party.

That he later declared the donation, repaid the $1670 and gave an equivalent amount to charity smacks of nothing more than desperately trying to fix a potentially fatal misjudgment.

When Dastyari told the Senate, "On reflection I should have paid that amount myself", it was with an astonishing lack of self-awareness. He seemed to expect applause for the pronouncement.

Yes, Senator, you should have paid your own bill. And the same goes for other entitled, so-called leaders who are not satisfied with their already hefty pay packets.

Kathy Jackson was reportedly paid $270,000 a year as head of the Health Services Union but she was last week charged with 70 theft and deception offences, accused of siphoning off funds from her low-paid members to fund a lavish lifestyle. These allegations are yet to be tested before a court.

The amounts she is alleged to have stolen potentially dwarf Dastyari's paid bill but the principle is the same. They were paid plenty; they still allegedly wanted more.

Our leaders, both in Parliament and across the community, need to take a huge reality check. They need to understand they are actually paid very well for the work they do.

The average Australian income is about $75,000, less than half of Dastyari's base salary; less than a third of Jackson's former salary.

And for those on an average income or less, $1670 is not small change. It can keep their car on the road for a year. It can pay for a family holiday. It can cover their electricity bills. It can mean a really good Christmas.

Let our leaders not forget why they are in office and whose interests they are truly meant to represent.