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High-flying public servant's staggering travel bill revealed

Former WA Agent General John Langoulant's Lavish Travel Expenses in Final Weeks Exposed

In a revelation that has sparked fresh scrutiny over public spending, details of John Langoulant's travel expenses during his last weeks as Western Australia's Agent General in London have been made public. Langoulant, who served in the high-profile diplomatic role from 2017 until his abrupt departure in early 2023, racked up a significant bill on international trips, including visits to exotic destinations, even as his tenure was winding down. The disclosures, obtained through freedom of information requests and reported by The West Australian, paint a picture of opulent travel funded by taxpayers, raising questions about accountability and the justification for such expenditures in the twilight of his appointment.

Langoulant's role as Agent General involved promoting Western Australia's interests in the UK and Europe, fostering trade, investment, and cultural ties. However, the newly revealed documents highlight a flurry of activity in his final month on the job, with travel itineraries that included stops in Switzerland, France, and the United Arab Emirates. According to the records, in December 2022, just weeks before his position ended, Langoulant embarked on a multi-leg journey that began in London and took him to Geneva for meetings with business leaders, followed by a visit to Paris for discussions on renewable energy projects. The trip then extended to Dubai, where he attended a series of networking events and met with potential investors in WA's mining and technology sectors.

The total cost of this single expedition exceeded $25,000, covering business-class flights, luxury hotel accommodations, and per diems. Breakdowns show that airfare alone accounted for over $15,000, with Langoulant flying premium cabins on airlines like Emirates and British Airways. Hotel stays included a five-star property in Dubai, where nightly rates hovered around $800, and upscale options in Geneva and Paris. Additional expenses included chauffeured transport, fine dining reimbursements, and incidental costs such as airport lounge access. Critics argue that while promoting WA abroad is essential, the timing and extravagance of these trips—occurring right before his exit—suggest a lack of fiscal restraint.

This isn't the first time Langoulant's expenses have come under the microscope. Earlier reports detailed his overall spending during his five-year stint, which totaled hundreds of thousands of dollars on travel, entertainment, and office operations. For instance, he previously faced backlash for hosting lavish events at the WA Government’s London office, including cocktail receptions and dinners that featured high-end catering and venues. One notable event was a gala promoting WA wines and produce, which cost upwards of $50,000 and was attended by UK dignitaries and business figures. Supporters of Langoulant maintain that such expenditures are par for the course in diplomatic circles, where building relationships often requires a level of grandeur to impress potential partners.

The latest revelations come amid broader concerns about the Agent General position itself. Established to represent WA's interests overseas, the role has been criticized as outdated in an era of digital communication and virtual meetings. Langoulant's predecessor, Kerry Sanderson, also drew attention for her travel, but his tenure has been particularly contentious due to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw global travel restrictions and a push for austerity in government spending. In WA, Premier Roger Cook's administration has emphasized transparency and value for money, especially as the state grapples with budget pressures from infrastructure projects and cost-of-living relief measures.

Opposition figures have seized on the disclosures to call for an independent audit of all Agent General expenses. Shadow Minister for State Development, Peter Rundle, described the travel bill as "outrageous" and indicative of a "culture of entitlement" within the government's overseas postings. "At a time when Western Australians are tightening their belts, it's unacceptable for public servants to jet-set on the taxpayer dime, especially in their final days," Rundle stated in a press release. He urged the government to release full itemized accounts and consider abolishing the Agent General role altogether, suggesting that trade commissioners or digital envoys could achieve similar outcomes at a fraction of the cost.

In defense, a spokesperson for the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, which oversees the Agent General's office, argued that Langoulant's trips were strategically important. "These engagements secured valuable leads for investment in WA's green hydrogen and critical minerals sectors," the spokesperson said. "The Agent General's role is about opening doors that lead to long-term economic benefits for the state." They pointed to specific outcomes, such as a memorandum of understanding signed with a European energy firm during the Paris leg, which could pave the way for millions in future investments.

Langoulant himself has remained relatively tight-lipped since leaving the position, but in a statement issued through his representatives, he emphasized the demanding nature of the job. "Representing Western Australia on the global stage requires mobility and presence at key forums," he noted. "Every trip was approved and aligned with government priorities." However, sources close to the matter suggest that internal reviews were conducted prior to his departure, with some expenses flagged for reimbursement or adjustment.

The controversy echoes similar scandals in Australian politics, such as those involving federal MPs' travel perks or state officials' overseas junkets. In WA, it adds to a narrative of perceived excess, recalling past issues like the expenses scandal involving former Premier Brian Burke in the 1980s. Public reaction has been mixed; some online commentators defend the need for robust international promotion, while others decry it as wasteful, especially given WA's vast mineral wealth that could arguably attract investors without such pomp.

As the dust settles, the government has indicated it will review the guidelines for overseas representatives. Premier Cook, in a recent parliamentary session, acknowledged the need for "greater oversight" but stopped short of condemning Langoulant personally. "We value the work done by our agents abroad, but transparency is key," he said. With a new Agent General, Simon Millman, now in place, there's hope that lessons from this episode will lead to more prudent spending.

This saga underscores the delicate balance between effective diplomacy and responsible use of public funds. As WA continues to position itself as a global player in resources and innovation, ensuring that such roles deliver tangible returns will be crucial. The full extent of Langoulant's legacy—whether as a successful promoter or a symbol of excess—remains to be seen, but these revelations ensure the debate will linger in political and public discourse for months to come.

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Read the Full The West Australian Article at:
[ https://thewest.com.au/politics/state-politics/john-langoulant-former-wa-agent-generals-travel-bill-from-final-weeks-in-the-job-revealed--c-19681378 ]