Travel Spending Reduced By More Than 17 Per Cent

PREMIER'S OFFICE--Travel Spending Reduced By More Than 17 Per Cent

Premier John Hamm and senior staff have reduced travel spending by more than 17 per cent.

Figures compiled by the Premier's Office and Office of Executive Council showed that travel spending by the premier, chief of staff, principal assistant, communications director and manager since August 1999 totalled $211,415.66 or $63,424.70 per year.

According to the Public Accounts reports for fiscal years 1996- 97, 1997-98 and 1998-99, total travel by the premier and senior staff totalled $231,812.88 or $77,270.96 per year.

Average annual travel spending by the premier and senior staff has therefore been reduced by more than $13,800 or 17.9 per cent per year.

"Our government said we would reduce non-essential travel. These figures clearly show we have kept that commitment," said Jamie Baillie, chief of staff to the premier.