Wale probes: ‘trip never sanctioned by Cabinet’

Leader of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale says Cabinet and Caucus never sanctioned the government delegation trip to Australia led by the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM).

In a statement today, Hon Wale said senior government MPs have confirmed that the trip comes as a surprise to many Cabinet Ministers and backbenchers.

The Opposition Leader has urged the Prime Minister to explain the reason behind the trip and why the DPM is leading a 14-member delegation on a non-sanctioned trip.

“If this is not a sanctioned trip then who is paying for the airfares, accommodation and allowances of the delegation? Why did the Prime Minister allow this trip if it is not sanctioned by the Cabinet and Caucus?” Hon Wale questioned.

Hon Wale said his office has received information that the trip is privately sponsored by a senior government minister and a businessman.

“MPs that travelled even questioned why there was no protocol officer accompanying them and some were only included to the list at the last minute,” he said.

The Opposition Leader said his office understands the trip was purposely to meet with Patrick Wong on the Levers issue and the reason to privately sponsor a 14-member delegation on the trip is highly suspicious.

“It’s highly questionable why the DPM is leading a private trip involving 14 Government MPs to meet with businessman Wong. The Prime Minister needs to come clean why this delegation is even travelling without his approval,” he said.

Hon Wale said the Prime Minister must get to the bottom of this and appropriate action must be taken.

ENDS//

Opposition statement