Chief Minister cops criticism for US trip on Defence, trade matters

The government has defended the Chief Minister’s US trip and another minister’s visit to Singapore after copping criticism from the opposition. Here’s a breakdown of the cost to taxpayers.

The CLP has slammed the Territory government for spending “ridiculous amounts” on two ministers’ overseas trips while accusing them of “failing” to provide essential services.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles is currently on a nine-day trip to Washington DC, which is estimated to be costing taxpayers almost $93,000 – about two-thirds of which is going to airfares alone.

Ms Fyles is travelling with two staffers, one of whom has flown business class with her.

About $21,500 has been spent on the trio’s accommodation while meal and travel allowances total $3670.

Their hire vehicle is costing another $3000 and corporate booking fees and other “contingency related costs” have reached $3600.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles has copped criticism from the opposition for going on a trip to the United States that is costing almost $93,000. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Martin Ollman

Ms Fyles is in the States to reaffirm defence ties, promote the Territory’s critical minerals and highlight its emergency response capability in meetings with key US federal government decision makers.

Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler’s current three-day trip to Singapore – where she is seeking investment into water, gas, renewables, critical infrastructure and education – is also costing taxpayers $28,678.

All but $8678 of that figure was racked up in business class airfares for Ms Lawler and Infrastructure Commissioner Louise McCormick.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said Territorians deserved to know why Ms Fyles’ trip was costing them so much.

“Territorians are doing it tough and Labor are failing to deliver essential services, yet they’re spending ridiculous amounts on overseas travel,” she said.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro labelled the cost of the Chief Minister’s US trip as “ridiculous”. Picture: Liam Mendes/The Australian

“Natasha Fyles refuses to even acknowledge Territorians’ issues, calling their crime concerns just perception.

“I think the perception from Territorians on this amount being spent on her travel is ‘she’s got to be kidding’.

“We will do what Labor have failed to do and that’s give Territorians upfront costings when it comes to ministerial travel.”

Acting Chief Minister Nicole Manison fronted the media on Tuesday primarily to defend the ministerial trips.

“What I’d say to the CLP is that when the government goes overseas, it’s for a reason,” she said.

“We want to create jobs, we want to create investment opportunities and we want to get good things happening for the Northern Territory.

“The Chief Minister is having very important Defence meetings and I can tell you now, the Pentagon does not want to do a zoom.”

Ms Manison would not comment on whether Defence matters were typically within the remit of the commonwealth nor would she be drawn on answering whether the federal government had asked Ms Fyles to take the trip.

“The Chief Minister has very much so gone to pursue this trip on behalf of the Territory,” she said.

“If we’re not out there telling our story to investors and to our partners in the United States, then we won’t be heard – somebody else is going to get those jobs and get that investment.”

In April Ms Manison went to Japan and Korea with two staff members on a week-long trip that cost more than $47,000, while Environment Minister Lauren Moss and a staffer’s six-day New York trip to attend the UN Water Conference in March cost almost $60,000.