Transport minister Jo Haylen admits ‘I made the wrong decision’ after ministerial car booked out for 13 hours for Hunter Valley lunch at wineryGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe NSW transport minister, Jo Haylen, has apologised after using her ministerial driver to chauffeur her and some friends to and from a three-hour private lunch on the Australia Day weekend – at a cost of $750.“I made the wrong decision,” Haylen said on Sunday when apologising and confirming she would repay the money for the 13-hour, 446km trip to the Hunter Valley.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...
NSW transport minister Jo Haylen apologized for using her government-funded chauffeur and car to drive her and friends to a three-hour private lunch in the Hunter Valley.
While her actions were technically within the rules, Haylen acknowledged they failed the "pub test" of public acceptability. She admitted the mistake and pledged to reimburse the $750 cost of the 13-hour, 446km trip.
The incident sparked criticism from the opposition who deemed it "unacceptable" and a "disgrace" to use taxpayer money for a private outing.
Haylen's apology emphasizes the importance of public perception and ethical conduct even when actions technically adhere to set guidelines.
NSW transport minister Jo Haylen apologized for using her government-funded chauffeur and car to drive her and friends to a three-hour private lunch in the Hunter Valley. While her actions were technically within the rules, Haylen acknowledged they failed the "pub test" of public acceptability. She admitted the mistake and pledged to reimburse the $750 cost of the 13-hour, 446km trip. The incident sparked criticism from the opposition who deemed it "unacceptable" and a "disgrace" to use taxpayer money for a private outing. Haylen's apology emphasizes the importance of public perception and ethical conduct even when actions technically adhere to set guidelines.
