International travel itineraries obtained by the Opposition under Freedom of Information applications show the Government’s First Nations Ambassador has been travelling around the globe in style, clocking up $145,000 in a 12-month period on 9 separate overseas trips.
There are significant and substantial challenges facing Indigenous communities across the country, which the Government should be focussed on addressing. Visiting and listening to people in those communities would be a much better use of taxpayer funds and should be the focus of senior government bureaucrats.
Opposition waste spokesman, James Stevens, said “Justin Mohamed has covered all corners of the globe in business-class style, which couldn’t be further from the serious challenges facing Indigenous communities in remote and regional Australia.
“Glitzy receptions in Paris, Geneva and New York are not a source of valuable advice on tackling the fundamental drivers of Indigenous disadvantage. This should be the priority of the Albanese Government, not touring the world on the taxpayer’s dime.
“These lavish expenses demonstrate a complete waste of money on a pointless position for overseas jaunts that should be scrapped,” Mr Stevens said.
