Overview

• In January 2024 Groth used a colleague’s taxpayer-funded chauffeured vehicle for a 100-kilometre trip from the Australian Open to his home on the Mornington Peninsula.
• He denies any misconduct, saying he attended the tournament in both an official capacity and a personal one and that all expenses were fully disclosed.
• Opposition Leader Brad Battin has defended Groth, asserting his travel arrangements complied with parliamentary rules and passed the pub test.
• Several senior Liberals have voiced anger, warning the incident damages the party’s waste-criticism stance and questioning Groth’s suitability to remain deputy.
• The dispute compounds existing party unrest following Moira Deeming’s defamation victory and renewed scrutiny of Groth’s recent Adelaide travel claims.