Jo Haylen’s swift exit after a series of own goals shows NSW Labor has learned from past mistakes

‘Ultimately, Haylen’s prompt resignation shows that while she might not have learned the lessons of the past Labor government, Minns certainly has.’ Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

After returning to power on a vision of credible, commonsense leadership, New South Wales’ Labor government had little option but to let transport minister Jo Haylen move on.

First it was revealed Haylen had summoned her private ministerial driver for a 446km, 13-hour round drive to chauffeur her and friends to a winery and back. Then, as more reports of her government-funded personal trips surfaced, what was first described as a lapse of judgment appeared to be an ingrained, careless attitude towards taxpayer money.