Sport Minister Anika Wells and at least 11 other MPs, including Labor members like Jerome Laxale and Liberal Senator Anne Ruston, are traveling to support the Socceroos in their group-stage matches against Turkey, the USA, and Paraguay in Vancouver, Seattle, and Santa Clara.
Critics online call them hypocrites and parasites, resurfacing Wells’ past expense scandals where she repaid over $10,000 for family trips tied to events like AFL grand finals.
While defenders say the bipartisan trip aids national teams and diplomacy, the timing fuels demands for cost transparency and reform as the tournament kicks off.
