NSW Transport officials reminded of festive party rules after lavish planning day

After a lavish taxpayer-funded planning day raised eyebrows, NSW Transport bureaucrats have been issued a festive season fizzer, with a directive warning them all parties must be ‘self-funded’.

Top transport bureaucrats have been given a directive that all end-of-year celebrations during the festive season must be “self funded” and that “no alcohol is to be consumed on agency premises” or “during work hours”.

The missive was sent to the Transport for NSW senior leadership team – the “L100” – by TfNSW’s Chief People Officer on Monday, reminding executive of Transport’s code of conduct.

It came after The Daily Telegraph revealed that senior bureaucrats put thousands of dollars in public money behind the bar after a lavish planning day where staff made models of the Harbour Bridge out of aluminium foil and marshmallows.

The Telegraph understands that heads could roll over the end of year “branch all-in,” with particular concerns raised about public money being used for a bar tab after the official function.

An expensive staff development day has seen top Transport officials put on notice.

In a statement on Tuesday, a Transport for NSW spokesman said the “urgent” investigation into the event was “ongoing”.

That came after email was sent to top leaders at Transport for NSW reminding them of what is and is not allowed for end of year celebrations.

Bureaucrats have been warned not to put festive celebrations on taxpayers’ tab.

“You may have seen an article this morning referencing an end of year event at Transport that has gained media attention. It is a timely reminder to us to ensure our teams are across the relevant Transport policies during the festive season,” TfNSW Chief People Officer Tracey Taylor sent in an email leaked to the Telegraph.

“You are all familiar with Transport’s Code of Conduct which sets out our expectations around end of year events, including that no alcohol is to be consumed on agency premises or (sic) at any times or during work hours, that all celebrations must be self-funded, and that Transport Purchasing Cards cannot be used for these activities.”

The email linked to a list of “Festive season FAQs” which stated that Transport “will not pay for the cost or part cost of a work party,” and reminded that alcohol is banned on work premises or during work hours.