Minister resigns after being caught using official vehicle for private business: Apologizes to the public
A state minister in Australia has announced their resignation due to using an official vehicle for private business. The minister apologized, stating that they had let the public down.
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Jo Haylen, the Minister for Transport in the Australian state of New South Wales, has resigned from her post following criticism regarding her use of an official vehicle for private purposes. In a press conference, Haylen acknowledged her mistakes and apologized to the public.
Haylen recently made headlines for using her official vehicle to attend a dinner held as part of Australia Day celebrations. The minister faced backlash for traveling 446 kilometers with her driver to attend the dinner and for using the vehicle for private business for 13 hours. Haylen admitted that this behavior was not right, stating that she had 'made the wrong decision.'
State Premier Chris Minns described Haylen's behavior as 'unacceptable.' The opposition demanded that Haylen be removed from office if she did not resign. Opposition Leader Mark Speakman alleged that Minister for Housing Rose Jackson had also accompanied Haylen on this trip.
Although Haylen initially announced that she would not resign, she announced that she was stepping down from her post as a result of mounting pressure.
In her statement, the Minister for Transport said the following:
'I have made mistakes; no one is perfect. I did not break the rules, but I acknowledge that this is not the only issue here. I have let the public down, and I am very sorry for that. We were elected to be better than the previous government.'
LEGISLATIVE CHANGE TO BE MADE
Current laws in the state of New South Wales allow for the use of ministerial vehicles for private business. However, Premier Minns announced that work has begun on a legislative change to prevent this situation.
Haylen's use of the official vehicle for private business cost the state 750 dollars. The minister had stated that she would cover this expense out of her own pocket. Furthermore, it was revealed that Haylen had previously used the official vehicle to travel with her children to weekend sporting events.
Admitting to her past mistakes during the press conference, Haylen said, 'My mistakes are now harming the government. Politics is very difficult. Expectations are very high. I am aware of this.'