Sam Groth called out for partying on the public purse with his wife and Bec Judd at an interstate golf tournament

Deputy Victorian Liberal leader Sam Groth has refused to reveal the costs of his taxpayer-funded Valentine’s Day jaunt with wife Brittany to the glamorous LIV Golf Adelaide tournament — where the pair partied with WAG Bec Judd.

Sam Groth is again being called out for his expenses. Picture: Getty

Victorian deputy Liberal leader Sam Groth is again being called out for his expenses after taking a taxpayer-funded trip to South Australia on Valentine’s Day with his wife, and attending a golf tournament where he partied with influencer Bec Judd.

Mr Groth, who is also the shadow minister for Tourism, Sport, and Events, has told the Herald Sun his three-day jaunt — where he met with a Liberal colleague at the South Australian state parliament and partied at the glamorous LIV Golf Adelaide tournament — was on the public purse.

Sam Groth and his wife Brittany met up with influencer Bec Judd. Picture: Supplied

Sam Groth and his wife at the LIV Golf in Adelaide. Picture: Supplied

However, he has refused to reveal the costs of both his flights and accommodation instead saying they would be made public in the upcoming disclosure of interests.

Shadow Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation David Hodgett was also on the trip and attended the The Grange Golf Club where he was filmed dancing with Sam Groth, his wife Brittany Groth, Brighton Influencer Bec Judd and friend Jessie Roberts.

Social media photos posted by Mr Groth included a meme where boasted about the Valentine’s Day trip.

The meme shows his wife asking “what did you get me for Valentine’s Day” and Sam replying “a trip to Adelaide”.

In response his wife said “we’re going to the golf!”

Brittany Groth’s social media post about the Adelaide trip.

A social media image from Sam Groth when he visited SA parliament.

Later, Mr Groth uploaded an Instagram story with a snap of a carpet at the South Australian parliament.

Mr Groth told the Herald Sun he had met with South Australian Shadow Minister for Sport Matt Cowdrey “as part of my portfolio responsibilities” and the taxpayer-funded trip was in-line with parliamentary rules

“All relevant items will be disclosed in the upcoming round register of interests disclosures,” he said.

“My wife’s travel was paid for privately and not at public expense. I was a guest of LIV Golf, and that hospitality will also be disclosed in accordance with parliamentary requirements.”

At the time Mr Groth had told media he was attempting to poach the LIV Golf event, however, a deal agreed to by former Premier Daniel Andrews to bring the President’s Cup to Victoria in 2028 and 2040 bars the state from hosting the LIV event.

The state also already holds major golf tournaments including the Vic Open, a challenger PGA tour event.

Sam Groth tees off.

Mr Hodgett would also not reveal the taxpayer costs for flights and accommodation.

“The travel was in accordance with the applicable rules. The travel included business meetings. All costs and interests are fully disclosed as required,” he said.

The concerns about the two Liberal MPs’ trip to Adelaide comes after it was revealed taxpayers have already shelled out thousands of dollars to pay for hotel rooms for Mr Groth after he had attended glamorous and high-profile sporting events, often with his wife, including the Australian Open, Brownlow Medal, and AFL Grand Final.

Mr Groth, claimed they were work related and claiming the expenses was justified given his major events portfolio.

Remuneration Tribunal guidelines state MPs travelling at least 28km from their home can claim for expenses like accommodation and meals when they are “required” to perform public duties.

However, on Wednesday, Minister for Tourism and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos told media: “I think it’s a bit of a stretch”.

“We work hard to get major events to come to Victoria, to fill hotel rooms and restaurants, but not to fill them with taxpayer-funded Liberal front benchers.”

A Liberal colleague said there was mounting evidence that Mr Groth’s expenses were questionable.

“Integrity should be at the centre of everything MPs do. That’s a legitimate community expectation. If it sounds dodgy and looks dodgy, chances are it’s dodgy.”

Originally published as Sam Groth called out for partying on the public purse with his wife and Bec Judd at an interstate golf tournament