an expensive trip, page-7

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/...442021726?sv=23838a046a79c5cf87aa09d0e886938a
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The Advertiser can reveal Ms Hanson-Young’s liberating experience was made possible thanks to Australian taxpayers. The outspoken Green emptied what remained of her now grandfathered overseas study travel allowance, believed to be about $3000, to assist with flights.
Her office last night confirmed taxpayer funding had paid for an economy class fare home.
A spokeswoman said the remainder of the European trip was personally funded.
Then-prime minister Julia Gillard phased out the perk which MPs had previously used to have “study tours” to places like Las Vegas.

Some in the Greens claimed Ms Hanson-Young spent days in Rome while on the trip, which included meetings at the UN.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton’s spokesman said Ms Hanson-Young’s behaviour was hypocritical: “It’s a pity this Senator wasn’t so caring when hundreds of illegal maritime arrivals were dying in waters to Australia’s north after the Greens and Labor threw open our borders to the people smugglers.

“No one will ever forget her callous ‘tragedies happen, accidents happen’ response to the loss of those lives.”
Ms Hanson-Young, who is due back in Australia this week, said the work was a privilege.

Yesterday, she was on board the Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) vessel, owned by an American millionaire, when 414 adults and children were rescued on the Mediterranean Sea between Libya and Italy.
The MOAS has been accused of acting as a taxi service ferrying asylum seekers from sinking boats to Italy.
Critics claim the boat, which uses drones to find boats in trouble, makes it more attractive for people smugglers to earn more than $400,000 because it provides a safety net on the Mediterranean.

“I have the privilege to be a part of a search-and-rescue mission with MOAS help coordinate a people smuggling operation with MOAS in the Mediterranean Sea, and witness the incredible work this organisation does to save endanger lives at sea,” she wrote on Facebook.