Petrol heads outnumber ''green'' drivers within the ranks of Rudd Government ministerial staffers who racked up more than $420,000 in car bills covered by taxpayers.
Special Minister of State John Faulkner revealed 38 staffers had each received a car as part of their remuneration packages since December 1, 2007.
Two former staff members were among the 12 employed in the Prime Minister's office who were provided with a vehicle.
''Some employees had more than one vehicle as they were provided interim vehicles during the period that the car they had ordered was being sourced,'' he said in response to a question on notice from Liberal senator Michael Ronaldson. It had cost $357,149 to lease the cars, with monthly rates ranging from $612.50 to $1186.49 depending on the make and model, contract terms and other ''commercial variables''.
The most popular cars were the Holden Calais luxury sports car and the Ford Territory 4WD which accounted for 20 of the cars provided.
Five of the cars were either the Holden Commodore SV6 or Commodore SS a sports sedan that offers ''eight thumping cylinders ... [and] one adrenaline-filled driver experience'', according to the manufacturer.
Other staffers made more modest selections in opting for small or mid-sized sedans and a few went ''green'' by choosing the Toyota Prius.
Four of the hybrid cars were provided to staffers.
Senator Faulkner said insurance premiums and general maintenance such as regular services were included in the lease costs.
But in the past 12 months, taxpayers had picked up a $11,239.51 tab for additional maintenance and $59,088.76 bill to fill the cars' petrol tanks.
The total bill was more than $420,000, which was about $35,000 a month.
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