The Hon. Kevin Hogan MP
Federal Member for Page
Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday 13 June 2024
Minister, what’s next?
Just one week after Tourism Australia confirmed Tourism Australia staff were referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for the misappropriation of close to $140,000 in taxpayer funds on personal holiday trips, the NACC has dropped its investigation, Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism, Kevin Hogan said.
“Tourism Australia Managing Director and Minister for Tourism, Don Farrell advised Senate Estimates last week that they were unable to respond to any questions regarding the misappropriation or the Australian Public Servants involved, citing NACC advice.
“The Minister was made aware that taxpayer dollars had been fraudulently spent by public servants in late 2023. There is now no anti-corruption investigation to hide behind. We need details about the embezzlement and how it has been handled.
“Will this matter be referred to the Australian Federal Police. Will criminal charges laid on the public servants responsible?
“It is incumbent on Minister Farrell to explain the details of this egregious matter to the Australian people.”
Ends
