NEW SOUTH Wales Transport Minister Jo Haylen has resigned, following growing criticism over her use of a ministerial chauffeur.
MP Haylen admitted to using a taxpayer-funded driver to transport her to a lunch on Australia Day weekend, reportedly a 13-hour, 446 kilometre round-trip for the driver from Sydney, to Caves Beach and the Hunter Valley and back.
In her resignation speech, MP Haylen said “I did not break the rules, but I acknowledge that’s not the only test here. I’ve let the public down and I’m very sorry for that. We were elected to be better than the last government”.
MP Haylen also referenced another trip she had taken to the Hunter Valley with her husband using a ministerial car in 2024, stating “I was working on that day, but I acknowledge that the use of my personal driver was an error of judgment by me”.
NSW Premier Chris Minns publicly criticised MP Haylen’s behaviour, describing the private use of taxpayer-funded drivers as having been “unacceptable”.
MP Haylen said the Hunter Valley winery lunch failed the “pub test”, despite the fact that ministerial cars and drivers can be used for private purposes under the current rules in NSW.
“From the very minute I was been appointed a Minister, I’ve worked my arse off” MP Haylen said in her resignation speech.
“Government is a collective effort, and our agenda is more important that one individual.
“I’m disappointed I don’t get to finish the job but I want to thank each and every member of the transport team.”
MP Haylen confirmed that she would continue to serve the government as Member for Summer Hill.
