Concerns in Vanuatu over public servant spending on overseas trips

The chair of Vanuatu's Public Service Commission says he's shocked by the amount of money being spent by public officials on overseas trips.

An unnamed Director General has received more than $US60,000 in travel allowances this year alone, on top of other travel benefits.

The chair, Martin Mahe, said he believes some government employees are travelling excessively, wasting public funds that would be better spent on essential services.

He said anyone found to be travelling unnecessarily or overspending could have the costs docked from their salaries.