Scott Morrison leaves taxpayers to pay security bill for trip to Japan

Scott Morrison has left taxpayers to pick up a hefty personal security bill following a “privately funded” trip to Tokyo with his wife Jenny.

Scott and Jenny Morrison’s “privately funded” trip to Tokyo will cost taxpayers thousands of dollars because a team of AFP close personal protection officers travelled with the couple to Japan.

The former prime minister, who pocketed a lucrative cash payment for the overseas speaking gig, has publicly stated the trip was “privately funded”.

News.com.au has confirmed that’s not the full story, because a taxpayer-funded advance team travelled ahead to Japan to check security arrangements before spending several days providing protection to Mr Morrison and his wife Jenny.

At least two AFP officers travelled to Japan with taxpayers picking up the tab for flights, accommodation and cash for meals and incidentals.

It’s understood at least two AFP close personal protection detail were pulled off guarding Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to staff Mr Morrison’s private trip.

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Scott and Jenny Morrison with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife Yuko Kishida. Picture: Scott Morrison/Facebook

Mr Morrison previously said the trip to Japan was ‘privately funded’. Picture: Scott Morrison/Facebook

During official overseas trips, the Prime Minister traditionally travels with a team of four or more AFP officers.

Two remain with him at all times while another team sets up live CCTV vision of the hotel floor he is staying on and watches everyone entering the floor, which is generally locked off from other guests.

Even with a smaller team, such as on Mr Morrison’s 2019 Hawaii trip, the security team must prepare a Standard Tactical Plan (STP) and Post Visit Report (PVR) every time the PM goes overseas.

Mr Morrison is expected to continue to have AFP security for around six months after he leaves office on a needs-basis for events deemed a security risk.

Mr Morrison skipped the first week of Parliament to attend the Tokyo event, which he recently disclosed involved a speakers’ fee and free business class flights.

Scott Morrison being rushed into a car by his security detail during the Federal election campaign earlier this year. Picture: Jason Edwards

It’s speculated that he may have been paid up to $50,000 for the speaking gig at a conference with links to a Japanese billionaire, on top of his $211,250 salary as Australia’s best-known backbencher.

“Prior to the new government advising the sitting schedule for the remainder of 2022, I had already accepted an invitation to join other former Prime Ministers from Canada, the UK and New Zealand to address an international event to be held in Tokyo this week.

As a consequence, I will be unable to attend the first three sitting days of the new Parliament this week,’’ Mr Morrison said last month.

“While in Tokyo, in addition to making an address on the role of the Quad in promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific, I will be holding a series of meetings with Japanese political and business leaders and will have the opportunity to join other former leaders to express my condolences for the passing of (former) prime minister Abe following his assassination.”

In the Facebook comments to his statement, he added that the trip was “privately funded”.

A spokesman for the Australian Federal Police said: “AFP does not comment on close protection arrangements for Australian high office holders.”

The former prime minister, who faces a legal probe into his decision to secretly appoint himself to multiple cabinet portfolios, has recently updated his financial interest register to parliament.

The new filing confirming Mr Morrison’s previously dormant family trust is now being used as a vehicle for “advisory services” but does not declare any income to date beyond speakers’ fees.

Mr Morrison has been criticised for skipping parliament to attend the event and urged to declare any payments in accordance with the rules.

“I don’t know the full details of why he’s not here,” manager of government business Tony Burke said last month.

“If someone’s being paid to do another job, I’m not sure how they get away with the taxpayers paying them to do this one.”

Three years ago it emerged that AFP officers were required to fly overseas for two Morrison family holidays Fiji in June 2019 and Hawaii in December.

Scott Morrison during his trip to Hawaii in 2019. Picture: Twitter

Flights and luxury accommodation for a two-person security team in Fiji and Hawaii were estimated to have cost $20,000 for both trips combined.

If a larger security team was involved, the costs could be even higher.

Under parliamentary rules, the Prime Minister must declare any gifts and flight upgrades to Parliament.

Those records confirm his family secured flight and accommodation upgrades worth thousands of dollars during the family’s 2019 trip to Fiji.

According to documents signed by the Prime Minister, Qantas also provided Mr and Mrs Morrison with free membership of the Chairman’s Lounge, the airline’s elite, invitation-only airport lounge where politicians, celebrities and business leaders mingle and enjoy free first-class meals designed by celebrity chef Neil Perry.

News.com.au has contacted Mr Morrison’s office for comment.

Originally published as Scott Morrison leaves taxpayers to pay security bill for trip to Japan