NSW economy commissioner's nine luxury overseas trips now under scrutiny
Michael Rodrigues is NSW's 24-hour economy commissioner. He took nine overseas trips since February 2024. He stayed in boutique hotels and flew premium economy or business class. The arts sector faced funding cuts at that time.
Michael Rodrigues is the state's 24-hour economy commissioner. He travelled to Madrid, London, Hong Kong, Beijing, Amsterdam, Singapore, Barcelona and San Francisco.
These trips spanned Europe, the US and Asia. He went multiple times over two years.
He stayed in boutique hotels and flew premium economy or business class. His overseas spending is now under parliamentary scrutiny.
The trips occurred as the Australian Design Centre was forced to close due to lack of government funding. A parliamentary inquiry found the push to revive Sydney's nightlife came at direct cost to the arts and culture sectors.
Critics have questioned the spending at a time when other cultural institutions lost support. Minister John Graham defended the travel.
He said it would restore Sydney's global reputation among thought leaders and influential policy forums. This was needed after the lockout era.
- NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner
- Role
- 62
- Age
- Since February 2024
- Trip period
Why it mattersPublic spending on a new commissioner's luxury travel draws scrutiny. Cultural institutions cut budgets at the same time. It raises questions about government priorities.
AustraliaNSW taxpayers are questioning how money is spent on nightlife promotion while major arts organisations in Sydney face closure and funding cuts.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 d ago
