Keneally spent $31,000 on 'private jets'

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally spent more than $94,000 on trips to regional NSW, including $31,000 on private jets, during her first seven weeks of office, Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell says.

A document obtained under Freedom of Information (FoI) laws shows the premier spent
the money between December 8 and January 31 during trips to places such as Tamworth,
Armidale and Cowra.
The opposition says the visits were more about photo opportunities than creating
real change.
But Ms Keneally says they were valuable opportunities to visit regional NSW,
particularly areas struggling with adverse conditions such as floods and drought.
She makes no apologies for getting out of Sydney.
"Does the leader of the opposition or the leader of the National Party actually
object to the premier visiting Dubbo, Coonamble and Armidale or drought or flood
affected areas?" she said in a statement.
"It gives me an opportunity to speak directly with the people and gain an
understanding on the ground that only a firsthand visit can give."
As well as the money said to have gone on private jets, the FoI document details the
payments made for other air travel, accommodation, taxis and car hire.
Mr O'Farrell is particularly critical of the use of a private jet, saying the Labor
Party should pick up the tab.
His spokesman told AAP the coalition believes the premier could have taken charter
flights.
"The $100,000 would have been far better spent on employing more nurses for NSW
hospitals than on luxury private jets," Mr O'Farrell said in a statement on Friday.
"It's quite ironic, on a day Ms Keneally is begging Canberra for more money for
hospitals it's revealed taxpayers have picked up the tab for her luxury private
charter jets."
Ms Keneally says she has no intention of curbing her regional visits.
"As premier, I intend to continue to visit our regional communities to ensure this
government is doing all it can to see many of those communities through these tough
times."