Communications Minister Anika Wells’ costly $190,000 jaunt to New York has needlessly distracted attention from the teen social media ban she is overseeing, while also raising questions about government integrity.

Her trip, coupled with the stubborn refusal to release or implement several recommendations of a review of Canberra’s “jobs-for-mates” culture, suggests the wily Albanese government is suffering from a hubris previously unseen.

Communications Minister Anika Wells.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

The cost of Wells’ ill-judged trip comes amid widespread confusion about the impact of the ban when it comes into effect on Wednesday, December 10. The........

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