'Gross hypocrisy': Barilaro accused of double standards over farm visit
Senior NSW Liberals have accused Deputy Premier John Barilaro of "gross hypocrisy" after he travelled to his luxury farm almost two hours from his home to ponder his political future.
Mr Barilaro revealed on Monday that he travelled from his home near Queanbeyan to his Dungowan Estate, described as a "luxury escape" used for weddings and rented on AirBnb for $1850 a night.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro's Dungowan Estate, where he spent the weekend pondering his political future.
"I had the opportunity at the weekend down on the farm to build a cubby house with my four-year-old. I had the opportunity to be fun and silly," Mr Barilaro said on Monday.
The Nationals leader has repeatedly pleaded with people not to travel during the coronavirus crisis and was scathing of his cabinet colleague Don Harwin, who travelled to his holiday house.
After photos of Mr Harwin at his Central Coast holiday home emerged, Mr Barilaro said he was "bloody angry" and warned that politicians were not exempt from rules.
One senior Liberal said it was Mr Barilaro who insisted that the former arts minister be dumped.
"Barra bullied Gladys into dumping Don ... this is gross hypocrisy and double standards," the MP said.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said he would pursue inquiries about Mr Barilaro’s movements over the weekend.
“After today we will speak to a number of people about it and whether we commence an investigation or not will rely on the information we find out," Mr Worboys said on Thursday.
The Nationals leader, who went to his farm to consider whether he would run for the Eden-Monaro byelection, said he was permitted to travel to his property to "tend to it".
"My property in Nerriga is located within my electorate of Monaro and is an acreage which requires maintenance," Mr Barilaro said in a statement.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro tended to his 'luxury estate' two hours from his home last weekend. Credit:Rhett Wyman
"My farm was damaged during the recent bushfires but fortunately the local Rural Fire Service in Braidwood was able to save the house."
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was not aware of Mr Barilaro’s travel.
"But I will say this, it’s important for us to acknowledge that unlike other states NSW hasn’t put a restriction on how you can travel," Ms Berejiklian said on Thursday.
"I will have to look at those details."
Police fined Mr Harwin $1000 for failing to comply with requirements of the Public Health Order for COVID-19.
Mr Harwin's fine said he did not have a "reasonable excuse" for not residing at his primary residence.
One senior Liberal MP said: "Everyone knows he [Barilaro] should be fined by police if not for disobeying public health orders but for blatant hypocrisy."
Another senior Liberal source said: "He called for Don's sacking and Don resigned. Barilaro set the standard. He said that it's ok to visit a farm to tend to it. Trouble is, it's not a farm and never was. It's a luxury weekender. How many farms rent for $1800 a night? Also, he said he went there to make his decision on Eden-Monaro, not to move the cows".