Anika Wells Named TIME 'Rising Star' Amid Scrutiny Over Travel Expenses

Communications Minister Anika Wells has been recognized by TIME magazine as one of the world's most influential rising stars for her efforts in spearheading the Australian government's policy to ban social media use for individuals under 16. This international acknowledgment comes as Wells faces continued domestic criticism regarding her travel expenses and the use of taxpayer funds for trips that have included her lobbyist husband.

The TIME recognition, with a profile written by former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, highlights Wells' role in the global movement to address the impact of social media on children's well-being. Gillard lauded Wells for championing what she described as "world-leading reforms" aimed at protecting young Australians from online harms, even in the face of opposition from major technology companies.

"As Australia's Communications Minister, she has championed world-leading reforms to protect young people from the harms of social media," Gillard stated. "Even in the face of intense opposition from some of the world's largest tech companies, she remains steadfast." Gillard also noted Wells' oversight of online safety measures, including regulations establishing minimum age requirements for social media access in Australia.

Wells is featured on TIME's list alongside figures such as Australian singer Troye Sivan and British artist Raye, as well as politicians like U.S. Republican Senator Katie Britt and Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar.

The award comes shortly after an audit by the Parliamentary Expenses Authority found four breaches of parliamentary travel rules across multiple trips between 2022 and 2025, leading Wells to repay $10,116. While most of her travel was deemed within regulations, specific expenses have drawn public attention. Notably, an approximately $90,000 trip to New York to promote the government's social media ban has been a point of contention. Further scrutiny has been directed at taxpayer-funded trips involving family members, including approximately $7,000 spent on flights for a partner to attend three AFL grand finals, nearly $1,000 for a chauffeur on the day of the 2023 Australian Open, and over $1,200 for travel on the day of the 2022 NRL and NRLW grand finals.

Additionally, Wells incurred $3,000 for flights and allowances for her husband and children to accompany her to Thredbo in June 2024 during meetings related to Paralympics Australia and the Adaptive Festival. In a separate instance, a secure communications facility was installed in her electorate office in October 2024 while she was Minister for Sport and Aged Care, despite a similar facility being available a short drive away. Wells also conducted a "sideline meeting" at a 40th birthday party during a $3,681 taxpayer-funded trip to Adelaide on June 7 of the previous year.