PM&C stiffs motel- Abbots trip up north

A far north Queensland motel says it has been left out of pocket by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet over a last-minute cancellation, and the owner blames Tony Abbott.

Thursday Island's Jardine Motel manager Steve Mills had reserved a significant number of rooms at the department's request ahead of Mr Abbott's visit this week.

Mr Abbott is visiting the region as part of his annual week in Indigenous communities, around eight ministers were due to join him at various points on the trip.

Mr Mills said he was only notified less than two days before check-in that more than $53,000 worth of accommodation would not be required.

Would have Mr Abbott known about it? No. Do I blame him for it? Yes.

Jardine Motel manager Steven Mills

Mr Mills said the department booked 44 rooms for seven nights, from August 11 to 17, but only ended up staying in up to 11 of those rooms.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-25/pm-blamed-for-torres-strait-motel-getting-stiffed-53000/6722136

4 comments

Why so many needed to go at all is odd. From 44 down to 11 but still seems a lot for a photo op. Even stranger is booking 44 and then at short notice only wanting 11.

I'd be more "distracted" by the media coverage of a prime ministerial visit to Manus.
Bill Burns, Bendigo
When Mr Abbott leaves the media and photographers at home, I may be able to believe he is fair dinkum about Indigenous affairs.
Geoff Champion, Mount Dandenong


Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/comment/the-age-letters/federal-politics--rail-line-for-adani-mine-will-be-a-white-elephant-20150825-gj7bmz.html#ixzz3jq6wPbf2
Follow us: @theage on Twitter | theageAustralia on Facebook

Strange comment. Anyone can cancel accomodation bookings, usually up to 24hrs prior without cost. This guys missing out on some easy money, so now I guess he wants compenstation. Typical I suppose. Yet another example of Government wasting our money as well. Why so many Ministers? One PM is surely enough!

You forget the people the motel turned away because of the Abbott bookings. People who wanted to book for hospital and doctor appointments from outlying areas. Not missing out on easy money but lost revenue.

From above article

Mr Mills said he has been left out of pocket because he had to turn away many prospective customers from the remote motel.

Aside from the loss of income, Mr Mills said he had to turn away sick people who had wanted to book at the hotel for appointments at the nearby hospital.

The motel should be compensated for this, no doubt in my mind.

This trip by the working bee (painters , bricklayers etc) was a great photo opportunity but I wonder if for all the expense there was a gain by anyone.

4 comments



To make a comment, please register or login

Preview your comment