Facing a barrage of questions in the States yesterday, Senator Gorst confirmed that three reviews were now being undertaken – a disciplinary process led by Chief Executive John Richardson into the trip taken by Economic Development Department Chief Officer Mike King and Locate Jersey Director Wayne Gallichan, a review of the States’ travel policy, and a review of all spending on travel over the last two years.
And he also hinted that the story originally went public through an un-named politician.
In an interview last week, Mr King told Bailiwick Express that the trip was a worthwhile exercise to generate business for the Island, but admitted the £12,884 cost of their flexible business-class tickets was indefensible.
It is understood that all States departments have already been told to compile details of all recent travel expenditure as part of the review process.
Addressing States Members during yesterday’s brief sitting, Senator Gorst told them that he understood the enormous frustration about the story.
He said: “I have asked for a review of the States of Jersey Travel Policy, this will lead to an update of the policy. A separate investigation is being undertaken by the Chief Executive under the disciplinary code, which will examine the exact circumstances behind the recent circumstances behind the recent trip to South Africa. The investigation will be undertaken by the Chief Internal Auditor with assistance from an external specialist with experience undertaking such reviews, and this will also include a review of the last two years’ expenditure on travel.
“I do understand the public’s mood and frustration with this particular incident and now that we have set in place the reviews, and in particular the investigation under the disciplinary code, it would be wrong of me to second guess the outcome of that review and I hope Members of this Assembly and members of the public would wait to see the outcome of that review.
“I have been working under the assumption that the work – apart from another piece of work that I may come on to – will be complete during the course of early April. We cannot make public any disciplinary findings, but the findings of the other review on policy and the review of two years’ previous expenditure on travel should be available to be public.”
The Chief Minister was also asked whether he knew how the story had gotten into the public domain, and whether the issue would have been raised without the last week of news stories about States waste.
He said: “As I said in the answer to Deputy Labey there was already a review being undertaken to make sure that there were firm controls over travel policy and authorisation of travel and how it was booked within a separate department. With regard to the first part of the question I understand that questions were asked of politicians about travelling and it was during the course of those question that this issue arose.”
