Premier Needs To Act On Dempsey Travel Affair

Media Release.

July 23, 2013 

Premier Campbell Newman needs to today request a full explanation from his Police Minister over his expenditure of taxpayer’s money to disguise a personal trip to Far North Queensland as an official duty.

Shadow Police Minister Bill Byrne said it was now clear from statements made by Jack Dempsey’s office that his trip to Cairns in May last year was for personal reasons even though taxpayers had footed the bill for airfares and accommodation of more than $2,000.

Mr Byrne said even though the Premier had yesterday attempted to fob the matter off, it warranted a serious investigation.

He said the WA Deputy Premier Kim Hames had yesterday resigned as Tourism Minister after wrongly claiming travel allowances valued at far less than Mr Dempsey’s $2,000 bill.

“If there is not a viable explanation, the Premier must ask Mr Dempsey to follow suit and resign,” Mr Byrne said.

“When the Opposition attempted to ask Mr Dempsey about the travel affair during last week’s Estimates Hearings, the Minister shut the questions down."

“But now his office has confirmed that the trip started as personal business before his office asked his department to throw together a quick event to dress it up as an official visit."

“The Premier needs to ask the serious and pertinent questions and get full and honest answers."

“Mr Dempsey must provide a viable explanation because he has failed to do that so far including during the Estimates process."

“I endeavoured to ask a question through the Estimates process to give the minister an opportunity to correct the record or at least provide an explanation. That invitation remains."

“I am looking forward to the minister fronting Queenslanders and providing that explanation.”