Taxpayer-funded travel costs soar as ministerial jaunts add up

More than $3 million in taxpayers’ money has been spent on overseas ministerial jaunts since 2015. But the list of extra expenses has prompted questions about transparency.

The Andrews Government has declared spending $3.4 million of taxpayers’ money on ministerial jaunts overseas since 2015 — but the true cost is likely to be even higher.

A trip by Planning Minister Richard Wynne to China last year was reported as costing taxpayers about $18,000, with his travel report detailing airfares, accommodation and some other expenses.

But documents released under Freedom of Information laws reveal the report did not include $13,816 billed to taxpayers for an interpreter, and at least $2272 in other spending.

The list of extra expenses — which also featured two $5000 “cash cards” — has prompted questions about transparency during international visits.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne. Picture: Jane Dempster (The Australian)

A Herald Sun analysis shows since Daniel Andrews became premier, he and his ministers have taken at least 96 trips overseas, with the costs detailed in their reports totalling $3.4 million.

This includes 32 trips to China, where all ministers must visit every four years.

The premier’s own published costs add up to more than $700,000 — but it is unclear what other expenses were left out of the reports posted on departmental websites, with many noting the figures listed were not final.

The state opposition has attacked the hidden costs, saying the discrepancy between what ministers claimed to have spent and the true price of jetting overseas would likely be hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Opposition “waste watch” spokesman James Newbury also questioned use of cash cards.

“This junket cost the taxpayer over $30,000 in flights, accommodation and expenses. Richard Wynne needs to explain why he needed an additional $10,000 in cash, and what he spent it on,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Mr Wynne said department staff were issued with traceable pre-loaded travel cards to cover meals, transport and accommodation, with all expenses reconciled with receipts.

Former minister Philip Dalidakis with Bill Clinton and George W. Bush in New York. Picture: Twitter

The cost of the interpeter — used for the whole six-day trip — was not included in the report because the invoice was not submitted in time.

“The minister was in China promoting Victoria and looking at planning initiatives for growing cities,” the spokeswoman said.

Former trade and investment minister Philip Dalidakis was the most regular jet-setter, with 18 trips totalling $564,000.

MORE NEWS

LABOR DONOR METS PREMIER DURING CHINA TRIP

RORTING MP ENJOYS FAREWELL FRANCE JUNKET

Treasurer Tim Pallas racked up a $291,000 bill for seven trips, while senior ministers James Merlino and Jacinta Allan have only been on one-off China visits.

A government spokeswoman said: “Ministers travel to key markets to promote our state, supporting businesses to pursue opportunities interstate and overseas, helping create jobs — this can’t happen if they stay behind a desk in the CBD.”

[e-mail]