UPDATE:
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A video recording sheds further light on Disability Services Minister John Ajaka’s explanation of why he did not initially reveal he received a first-class upgrade on an Emirates flight during an overseas trade mission.
In an interview with the Leader earlier today (see story below) Mr Ajaka blamed ‘‘the way the question was asked’’.
In the Channel 7 video, reporter Lee Jeloscek asked a straight-forward question: “Did you fly business class or first class?
Mr Ajaka replied: “No, the entire delegation flew business class.”
EARLIER STORY:
St George-based Disability Services Minister John Ajaka has blamed ‘‘the way the question was asked’’ for not revealing that he received a first-class upgrade on an Emirates flight during an overseas trade mission.
Speaking to the Leader in his first interview since the matter was aired on Channel 7 on Wednesday night, Mr Ajaka ‘‘absolutely’’ denied he had tried to mislead.
The Opposition has labelled the former Rockdale lawyer and Liberal councillor ‘‘a first-class fibber’’ and called for him to be sacked.
Mr Ajaka, in his capacity as Minister for the Illawarra, took part in a six-day trade mission to the United Arab Emirates and India at the end of last October.
A report filed after the trip said it cost $26,000 and its objectives included attracting trade and investment to the Illawarra and promoting the University of Wollongong.
Mr Ajaka said it was ‘‘nonsense’’ to suggest the trip, which the Opposition said included a ‘‘plum seat’’ at the Australia-Pakistan Test cricket match in Dubai, was ‘‘a junket’’.
‘‘There were 17 meetings,’’ he said. ‘‘Between those meetings, the entire delegation was invited to the cricket and we were there for two hours.’’
Mr Ajaka said business class seats were obtained for delegation members on four flights and he was offered an upgrade on one of them.
Asked why he told Channel 7, ‘‘No, the entire delegation flew business class,’’ he said, ‘‘it was the way the question was asked’’.
‘‘My answer was based on [the fact] business class tickets were obtained by the delegation.
‘‘Immediately after that interview, we notified Channel 7 that I was upgraded.’’
Mr Ajaka said a report on the trip, including a letter from university vice-chancellor Paul Wellings praising the minister’s role in its success, was filed on their return [it can be viewed on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website].
Asked about the requirement to disclose flight upgrades in the parliamentary pecuniary interests register, he said, ‘‘I am required to file my declarations with Parliament by March 31 and that will be done’’.
‘‘In all other respects I have complied with all my requirements relating to disclosures.’’
What do you think of the opposition criticism?