Under-fire MP Emma Husar defends taxpayer-funded trip to Brisbane

Under-siege Labor MP Emma Husar has defended a taxpayer-funded trip, during which she attended a Bruno Mars concert, in Brisbane.

Ms Huasr, who is being investigated over allegations of staff bullying, and the misuse of travel entitlements, went to the concert with a friend, a senior NSW police officer, on March 14.

It came a day after a parliamentary committee hearing in Cairns.

A spokesman for the member for Lindsay, in Sydney’s west, said the MP attended meetings the day before the hearings, in Cairns, and the day after the concert, in Brisbane.

No taxpayer money was spent on seeing the concert.

“Any assertion otherwise is preposterous,” a short statement said.

Ms Husar has taken indefinite leave while an independent inquiry takes place into the allegations against her.

It has been claimed staff were forced to perform domestic duties for Ms Husar, including walking, and cleaning up after the family dog.

As many as 20 staff have left her office in the two years, since she was elected.

Labor insiders have expressed concerns about the constant leaks against Ms Husar.

Deputy leader, Tanya Plibersek, wouldn’t comment on the case today, but said all MPs had to be careful with the use of taxpayers money.

Bill Shorten is also refusing to comment, saying he would await the outcomes of the investigation, launched by the NSW branch of his party.