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

In a statement today, 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 Cabinet and Caucus?” Hon Wale questioned.

The Opposition Leader 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 added 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.

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