Trade Minister Philip Dalidakis has come under fire following the release of expenditure reports by the Victorian Government this month, revealing he spent $167,332.44 on six overseas trips since October 2015.
The minister’s office has been quick to defended Mr Dalidakis however, a spokesperson for the minister stating that the travel to the UK, US, Indonesia, China, Korea, South Korea, Germany, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore, was vital in attracting greater investment in Victoria.
“In the past 12 months we’ve had a string of the world’s leading global tech companies, including GoPro, Zendesk, Slack and Square, all invest in Victoria to expand their operations in Australia and across the Asia Pacific – this is good for Victorian jobs and Victoria’s economy,” she said.
“We make no apologies for aggressively pursuing investment for this state and taking brand Victoria to the world.”
State Opposition Leader Matthew Guy wasn’t sold, claiming the minister’s spending is beyond what would be deemed as normal, and that travel expenses should be cut down.
“Philip Dalidakis wants to look at whether he wants to be a travel agent or a minister,” Mr Guy told reporters.
“Ten thousand dollars a month, for every month he’s been a minister, is somewhat excessive.”