Government House secretary’s wife flew to UK with Governor Paul de Jersey’s party

The wife of Government House’s most senior bureaucrat attended high-level meetings during a taxpayer-funded trade and investment trip to Europe, it can be revealed.

Governor Paul de Jersey and wife Kaye de Jersey visited the Netherlands and the UK in November on a mission to promote Queensland’s trade, business and cultural interests.

THE wife of Government House’s most senior bureaucrat attended high-level meetings during a taxpayer-funded trade and investment trip to Europe, it can be revealed.

Governor Paul de Jersey and wife Kaye de Jersey visited the Netherlands and the UK in November on a mission to promote Queensland’s trade, business and cultural interests.

Government House’s Official Secretary Mark Gower accompanied the pair on the trip, as did his wife Julie Gower.

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The Courier-Mail can reveal Mrs Gower travelled with the party for eight of the 12-day program and attended briefings with the Governor and Mr Gower.

Mrs Gower travelled to the UK on personal business to watch her husband attend an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where he was appointed a lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order. She remained with the vice-regal entourage and returned with her husband on November 24.

An Office of the Governor spokesman said Mrs Gower’s trip did not cost taxpayers.

“Mrs Gower’s travel was personally funded and made on a separate booking reference to anyone travelling from Government House,” he said.

He said it was not unusual for the spouse of the Official Secretary to attend events, citing Anzac Day in Brisbane as one where her support was provided.
“It is therefore not unprecedented,” he said.

The revelations come after ex-Government House staff last week lifted the lid on what they described as a culture of fear and bullying.

Six former employees said verbal abuse made working at the house unbearable, although it is understood neither Mr nor Mrs de Jersey were aware of the situation.