'I own that mistake.': Did a NSW minister go too far with taxpayers’ money?
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What started as a simple trip for a New South Wales (NSW) minister has sparked a fierce debate about the use of taxpayer money and public accountability.
What seemed like a minor misstep has led to widespread scrutiny, with both public officials and the community questioning the boundaries between personal and professional conduct.
As the details of this controversial decision come to light, it’s clear that this incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism.
NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen faced backlash after it was revealed she used a taxpayer-funded ministerial driver for a private trip over the Australia Day long weekend.
The trip, which lasted almost 13 hours and covered 446 kilometres, involved the driver travelling from Sydney to Caves Beach, where Ms Haylen had been staying.
She and her friends, including Housing Minister Rose Jackson, were then driven to a Hunter Valley winery for a private lunch on 25 January.
Ms Jackson had recently sparked her own controversy, claiming Sydney rental prices were 'a couple hundred bucks'.
In a 2 February press conference, Ms Haylen admitted her actions ‘did not meet the pub test’ and took full responsibility for the decision.
The Transport Minister confirmed she would pay back the $750 cost of the trip, acknowledging that while it adhered to the rules, it fell short of public expectations.
She said: ‘I acknowledge it doesn't pass the pub test because it is purely for private purposes. It is within the rules, but I don't think that meets public expectations.’
‘Last weekend, I travelled with some friends to a private lunch in the Hunter Valley. My ministerial driver drove us to and from that lunch.’
‘Now, while that travel was within the rules, it doesn't meet the pub test and I fully acknowledge that and I own that mistake.’
Ms Haylen explained there was a ‘bit of a grey area’ between work and personal life because her job was 24/7.
When asked whether this was the first time she had used taxpayer-funded travel for personal reasons, she avoided providing a direct answer.
‘Look, I'm not going to comment about other instances or indeed how other ministers might use their entitlements,’ she said.
‘I'm owning it. And I think that people understand sometimes that you make mistakes. I've made a mistake here, and that's why I'm apologising. And we're paying the cost.’
Her apology came only after details of the trip were made public.
The scandal led to strong criticism from the opposition, with NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman calling for her resignation.
‘Jo Haylen and Rose Jackson had shown utter contempt for the NSW taxpayer and must resign,’ Mr Speakman said.
‘Now that they’ve been caught, Minister Haylen said she’ll ‘pay it back’—that’s not accountability, that’s an admission of guilt.’
‘And worse, they forced a government driver into a gruelling 13-hour shift.’
Ms Haylen has since ruled out stepping down from her position.
Watch Mark Speakman’s full statement below.
With a growing debate over how taxpayer funds should be used, do you think politicians should be held to stricter standards when it comes to personal travel on the public dime?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
What seemed like a minor misstep has led to widespread scrutiny, with both public officials and the community questioning the boundaries between personal and professional conduct.
As the details of this controversial decision come to light, it’s clear that this incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism.
NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen faced backlash after it was revealed she used a taxpayer-funded ministerial driver for a private trip over the Australia Day long weekend.
The trip, which lasted almost 13 hours and covered 446 kilometres, involved the driver travelling from Sydney to Caves Beach, where Ms Haylen had been staying.
She and her friends, including Housing Minister Rose Jackson, were then driven to a Hunter Valley winery for a private lunch on 25 January.
Ms Jackson had recently sparked her own controversy, claiming Sydney rental prices were 'a couple hundred bucks'.
In a 2 February press conference, Ms Haylen admitted her actions ‘did not meet the pub test’ and took full responsibility for the decision.
The Transport Minister confirmed she would pay back the $750 cost of the trip, acknowledging that while it adhered to the rules, it fell short of public expectations.
She said: ‘I acknowledge it doesn't pass the pub test because it is purely for private purposes. It is within the rules, but I don't think that meets public expectations.’
‘Last weekend, I travelled with some friends to a private lunch in the Hunter Valley. My ministerial driver drove us to and from that lunch.’
‘Now, while that travel was within the rules, it doesn't meet the pub test and I fully acknowledge that and I own that mistake.’
Ms Haylen explained there was a ‘bit of a grey area’ between work and personal life because her job was 24/7.
When asked whether this was the first time she had used taxpayer-funded travel for personal reasons, she avoided providing a direct answer.
‘Look, I'm not going to comment about other instances or indeed how other ministers might use their entitlements,’ she said.
‘I'm owning it. And I think that people understand sometimes that you make mistakes. I've made a mistake here, and that's why I'm apologising. And we're paying the cost.’
Her apology came only after details of the trip were made public.
The scandal led to strong criticism from the opposition, with NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman calling for her resignation.
‘Jo Haylen and Rose Jackson had shown utter contempt for the NSW taxpayer and must resign,’ Mr Speakman said.
‘Now that they’ve been caught, Minister Haylen said she’ll ‘pay it back’—that’s not accountability, that’s an admission of guilt.’
‘And worse, they forced a government driver into a gruelling 13-hour shift.’
Ms Haylen has since ruled out stepping down from her position.
Watch Mark Speakman’s full statement below.
With a growing debate over how taxpayer funds should be used, do you think politicians should be held to stricter standards when it comes to personal travel on the public dime?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
