Speaker of the House of Commons Anthony Rota’s office said his $150,496 trip to Australia is uncommon, but necessary, according to Blacklock’s Reporter. .“It provides speakers with an opportunity to discuss procedural and administrative challenges,” said Rota’s spokesperson Amelie Crosson in a statement. .“Speaker Rota attended this conference — the first in-person conference since 2020 — to deliver a keynote address and participate in discussions on topics such as technology, security, and training.”.The cost of Rota's junket was published on Tuesday. .READ MORE: Rota’s trip to South Pacific cost taxpayers $150,000.“Has the government lost control of its expenditures?” said Progressive Senate Group Sen. Clement Gignac (Quebec). .Guests invited to the three-day conference included a Liberal-appointed House of Commons clerk who resigned after he was accused of sleeping on the job. .The Conference of Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth included speakers from countries such as Pakistan and Malta..Rota was joined by his wife Chantal, former Senate speaker George Furey and his wife Karen, and four guests including now-retired House of Commons clerk Charles Robert. .Crosson said it is “a regular practice for the clerk to accompany the speaker to conferences such as these.” She added Robert’s participation was planned before he announced his retirement. .Robert charged taxpayers $16,151 for transportation, another $3,579 for hotels, and $1,441 worth of per diems to cover meals and miscellaneous expenses. He resigned one week later. .“It is worth noting he was still clerk until January 13 and an acting successor was not announced,” she said. .He went on leave with pay in November and announced his resignation in December following allegations of misconduct..He was the subject of complaints from senior managers, including allegations he slept on the job, tipped off Liberals on procedural rulings and celebrated its 2019 election win as good for his career. .Former government house leader Mark Holland lamented the attacks and smears taking place against Robert. .Holland called him “a man of extraordinary integrity.”.“This is not fair ball,” said Holland. .“This is a public servant and I’m very disturbed by what is going on.”
