Ryde Council is under fire after approving a “junket” trip to Taiwan.

The Council last night voted in favour of 5 staff attending the “Smart City Summit and Expo” in Taipei.

Attendees will include Liberal Mayor Sarkis Yedelian.

The trip is NOT costing Ryde ratepayers- as costs have been covered by the Expo’s organisers.

Labor Councillor Bernard Purcell told Ben Fordham the “junket” is completely inappropriate.

He says: “It doesn’t feel right. It doesn’t look good”.

Mr Purcell says the ICAC clearly has “red flags” regarding any gifts.

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