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NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen
Image: AAP/Bianca De Marchi

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen apologises after ministerial car used for $750 winery trip

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen has apologised after a ministerial car was used for a 13-hour trip to the Hunter Valley on 25 January.

The trip included a private lunch at a winery with friends, costing $750.  

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The incident has sparked controversy, with opposition politicians accusing Haylen of abusing taxpayer funds.  

Haylen admitted to making a “wrong decision” and confirmed she would repay the cost of the trip.  

“Look, we did have a long lunch and we did drink and eat … the question is how we got to and from the lunch and we got that wrong. I got that wrong,” she said.  

The minister and five others, including fellow minister Rose Jackson, were driven from Sydney to the Brokenwood Wines restaurant in Pokolbin, where they enjoyed a three-hour lunch. 

The driver, who had adhered to required rest breaks, then returned them to Haylen’s holiday home at Caves Beach before heading back to Sydney.  

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The logbook for the journey listed it as a “business trip during working hours,” but Haylen acknowledged that this was not appropriate.  

“I’m owning it, and I think that people understand sometimes that you make mistakes,” she added. “I’ve made a mistake here and that’s why I’m apologising and repaying the cost. Nobody’s perfect.”  

While ministerial cars can be used for private purposes under current guidelines, Haylen conceded the trip did not meet the “pub test.”  

Premier Chris Minns also commented on the use of the car, describing it as “clearly unacceptable,” and has called for a review of the guidelines.  

“It’s not on for drivers to be used in this way,” Minns said on Sunday.

“I’ve asked the Cabinet Office to provide advice on changing the guidelines so this can’t happen again.”

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