❓ A WA parliamentary question probes the Premier regarding a trip to the World Lottery Summit by two officers, focusing on costs, justification, and adherence to guidelines. The Premier's response details the trip's purpose, outcomes, and justification for business class travel.

Within the Premier’s portfolio is a trip by S Holloway and C Smith to attend the World Lottery Summit in France for a total cost of $32,432 from 18 October to 27 October 2024. Can the Premier advise:(a) What were the dates for the summit and where was it held;(b) How many days were the officers in France prior to and post the summit;(c) What did these officers do outside the dates when the summit was not being conducted;(d) What were the outcomes for Western Australia from this summit;(e) Why was it appropriate for two officers to attend the same summit;(f) Why did one officer fly business class and the other a combination of business and economy class; and(g) Was the use of business class flights consistent with agency guidelines:(i) If so, how; and(ii) If not, why not?

(a-c) The World Lottery Summit was held at Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile from Monday 21 October to Thursday 24 October 2024. Due to flight availability, the officers left Perth on Friday 18 October and arrived in France on Saturday 19 October and departed France on Saturday 26 October and arrived in Perth on Sunday 27 October. During this time, the officers worked remotely, met with senior representatives of global lottery operators and global lottery gaming and support suppliers, including a key supplier of Lotterywest. (d-e) The purpose of both the Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Lotteries attending the summit was to build industry knowledge, learn from specialist industry speakers on the latest trends and developments, manage and develop strategic relationships with global operators and providers, and influence lottery industry trends, particularly around responsible gambling. (f-g) The use of business class airfares by the officers was consistent with Premier’s Circular 2021/02. While the General Manager Lotteries was permitted to travel business class, a return premium economy airfare was selected to reduce costs. The officers’ return flight to Perth was cancelled by the airline at short notice, which is why the General Manager Lotteries’ return flight fares were a combination of business and economy class.