Transport Minister quits: Haylen out over driver scandal

Jo Haylen addressing the media this afternoon.
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Under-siege NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen has stood down in the wake of a scandal involving the use of ministerial drivers and cars.

Three days after The Sunday Telegraph revealed that Haylen had summoned a taxpayer-funded driver to ferry her to a boozy lunch in the Hunter Valley over the Australia Day weekend, Haylen has fallen on her sword.

Subsequent questionable use of her ministerial driver has been raised in the days that followed.

Haylen admitted the Hunter Valley incident didn’t pass the pub test on Sunday, and apologised – offering to pay back the cost out of her own pocket.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen in Penrith last year. Photo: Melinda Jane.

She has maintained that the use of the driver was within the rules, which are vague at best.

Premier Chris Minns resisted the temptation to dump Haylen despite mounting public pressure, continuing to back her position during a tense exchange with 2GB’s Ben Fordham this morning.

But there was no other way this scandal was going to end.

Haylen announced a 2pm press conference with just 25 minutes notice this afternoon, with the venue – Parliament House’s level six media room – a telling sign of what was to come.

“I’ve made some mistakes. People aren’t perfect. I did not break the rules but I acknowledge that’s not the only test here,” she said.

“I’ve let the public down and I’m very sorry for that.

“This morning I’ve told the Premier I will resign my position as Minister for Transport. I will continue to serve this government as the Member for Summer Hill.”

Haylen confirmed that she took a second trip to the Hunter Valley with her husband last year, but said she had been working while on the trip.

Jo Haylen speaking to the media in Badgerys Creek last year. Photo: Melinda Jane.

“I do want to acknowledge my use of my personal driver was an error of judgement by me,” she said.

“My mistakes are now causing the government damage. Politics is difficult, expectations are high and I know that.”

Haylen said she had “worked her arse off” since being appointed Transport Minister.

She said she was incredibly proud to have made “public transport exciting again”.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen.

“I’m disappointed I don’t get to finish the job,” she said.

“It has been a great honour serving as a senior minister in the Minns Labor Government. I want to thank the Premier for his trust in me and for his friendship.”

Haylen did not answer questions from the media.

Minns is expected to speak this afternoon where he will confirm an interim replacement.

Troy Dodds

Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.


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