Defence Minister Linda Reynolds went on family holiday to Bali as NSW burned
Another senior minister from the Morrison Government has admitted to taking a family holiday overseas as fires raged across Australia over the Christmas break.
NSW
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West Australian Senator and Morrison Government Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has admitted she spent “a few days” in Bali with her family over Christmas as firefighters battled dozens of deadly blazes in NSW.
“Like many of my colleagues I have certainly spent time with my family over Christmas, but throughout that time I can assure you that I have been regularly on the phone … with the prime minister and with Minister (David) Littleproud constantly,” she said.
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When asked repeatedly if her holiday had been to Bali, Ms Reynolds eventually confirmed the location.
“Yes I was,” she said.
“I had a holiday with my family, for a few days, over Christmas.”
Ms Reynolds said she had also been in constant contact with the Department of Defence and operational officials during her brief vacation.
Defence personnel have been assisting with the bushfire efforts since September 2019, providing valuable logistics support to firefighters and helping residents evacuate.
It comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison and NSW Emergency Services Minister David Elliott were both heavily criticised for travelling overseas during the bushfire crisis.
Mr Morrison, who took his wife and two daughters to Hawaii in December, cut his family trip short after two volunteer firefighters died battling blazes in NSW.
While Mr Elliott, who travelled to Europe with his family, also returned home early, later calling the decision to go away at that time an “inexcusable” mistake.
“I should have put my RFS family first and foremost given the current conditions … and now it’s time to get back to work,” he said.
Barely a week after Ms Reynolds’ trip, Mr Morrison made the announcement of an unprecedented call up of 3000 army reserve members to assist fire affected areas.