Defence Minister David Johnston gets a belting on social media

EMBATTLED Defence Minister David Johnston is under heavy fire on social media over his expensive dining habits, denigration of shipbuilders and the defence force pay cut.

EMBATTLED Defence Minister David Johnston is under heavy fire on social media over his expensive dining habits, denigration of shipbuilders and the defence force pay cut.

The WA Senator, who is strongly tipped for demotion next year, was rocked this week by News Corp’s revelations about his expensive dining habits at a time when defence personnel were ordered to take a “real” pay cut.

This followed his ASC “canoe’’ comment and the debacle over the removal of two senior staff and former General Jim Molan by the minister’s trouble prone chief-of-staff and former ASC executive Sean Costello.

Sean Costello speaking at an ASC function. Mr Costello is chief of staff to Defence Minister, David Johnston.

Retired Major General Jim Molan, AO: Removed by Defence Minister’s chief-of-staff Sean Costello.

Correspondent Hector de Santos posted a comment on the minister’s Facebook page saying “Keep up the good work David we need strong people like you.”

In response Mathew Tyson jokingly asked, “Did he buy you lunch?”

Gregory Read wondered what the working conditions must be like in his department, “Must have a high turnover of staff wanting to leak your lunch details lol.”

Billy Jenkins summed up the feelings of many taxpayers with his post, “Can I please have that 300 dollars back you spent on that bottle of wine? Your staffers need medals rather than to be looking for new jobs. You are a disgrace!”

@murpharoo @mpbowers Ricky Muir in an ASC canoe with not just one but two paddles! #BrickSenate #auspol pic.twitter.com/zqKi73GDAq

— Tim Stephens (@TimStephens10) December 2, 2014

Minister Johnston and Mr Costello spent a total of $6384 on five meals with industry representatives and foreign dignatries during November. Some of the meals equated to $300-a-head.

For Julie Louise Ohalloran the issue was much more fundamental — Australia’s defence forces should be handed a payrise above the 1.5 per cent currently being offered.

“Well give them [the] salary increase they deserve and save money on politicians meal junkets instead.”

Building a better canoe ... This picture has been doing the rounds after Defence Minister Johnston’s ‘canoe’ comment in Parliament. Source: Twitter

That sentiment was supported by Matt Mcleod, “Curious...... why do you deserve $190 bottles of wine to drink at lunch when you are giving our armed services a pay cut?”

Matt Marr captured the public mood about politicians and their expenses with his post, “Mr Johnston, every cent spent by politicians of taxpayer money should be fully disclosed to the taxpayers. No if buts or questions. This goes for every politician, party or government employee who spends a cent of taxpayer’s funds.”

Submarine protest - ASC workers send canoe to Defence Minister: http://t.co/SiqAwFlnUA #auspol #ausunions pic.twitter.com/V67d8IEKYn

— Paul Bastian (@paulbastian) December 5, 2014

Politicians are asked to spend “reasonable” sums on food.

Troops in transit can spend up to $48 for dinner.

Thomas Pynchone captured the mood of many, “Thank you for your hard work wasting taxpayer’s money and for your efforts at destroying Australian industry and jobs Senator!”

Keith Levitt took a more bipartisan approach on Facebook, “This guy is one of the worst Defence Ministers. I hate saying that he is on par with Stephen Conroy as I am a staunch LNP supporter, but it’s true, he is.”

Did David Johnston say ASC "couldn't be trusted to build a canoe" because Sophie Mirabella is on the board of directors? #auspol

— Barnacle Dan (@DanielGulberry) November 26, 2014