A Tasmanian Labor Senator has defended spending about $23,000 on taxpayer-funded flights between Launceston and Hobart.

Helen Polley has confirmed a $12,000 a year bill for charter flights between 2011 and last June.

She says diary pressures mean she needs to take the 35-minute flight every few months, instead of the two and a half hour car trip.

Senator Polley says the cost is within her travel entitlements and denies it is an excessive amount for taxpayers to spend.

“Well people will make that judgement,” she said.

“I’m trying to utilise my time as efficiently…as I possibly can to ensure that I get out into the electorate and I’m available and accessible to the Tasmanian community.”