First class fury: Premier stands by minister
FIRST ON 7: The NSW Premier is resisting calls to sack one of his ministers after 7News revealed John Ajaka failed to declare details of a lavish overseas trip.
As a result the Illawarra MP has been labelled a first class fibber for forgetting his luxury upgrade on an Emirates flight.
"Only a first class fibber could forget this sort of luxurious experience," Shadow Treasurer Michael Daley said.
But Disability Services Minister John Ajaka says he did on a Middle East trip promoting Wollongong University - last night 7News revealed it cost taxpayers $26,000.
Despite being caught enjoying Australia's test in Dubai last October, Ajaka denied it was a junket. He also denied travelling first class.
"No the entire delegation flew business class," Ajaka told 7News.
Later, Mr Ajaka did admit receiving a first class upgrade from Emirates, and was forced to update Parliament's pecuniary interest register.
"I've spoken to the minister on a number of issues, I've spoken to a number of ministers," Mr Baird told 7News.
JELOSCEK: "have you spoken to him about this?
BAIRD: "I've spoken to him about a number of issues."
The Opposition says Barry O'Farrell stepping aside over what has now become known as 'Grange-gate' sets the standard.
"[He] failed to declare a bottle of grange that he was given as a gift and he resigned," Michael Daley said.
7News understands the Premier was surprised to see the minister in the crowd at the test while on an official government trip, and phoned Mr Ajaka immediately.
Today he was standing by him ignoring the sacking calls.
"The outcome from the university was very positive," Premier Baird said.
The Premier denies this is because one of the university's directors is also the brother of a Liberal senator.
