Kiama MP Gareth Ward has accused shadow treasurer Michael Daley of hypocrisy

Last week Mr Daley accused Premier Mike Baird of running ‘‘a protection racket’’ for the Minister for Disabilities and Ageing and Minister for the Illawarra John Ajaka.

Mr Ajaka was accused of misleading the public over a first class upgrade as part of ‘‘a $26,000 cricket junket’’ to Dubai.

Now Mr Ward said Mr Daley ‘‘lied’’ when he told 2UE he had flown economy on a five-day trip as part of a parliamentary committee.

Mr Ward said Mr Daley’s 2011-12 disclosures show he was given an upgrade to business class for the Bangkok to Sydney leg of his return flight from London.

‘‘The issue is Mr Daley lied to a Sydney radio station when asked about a business class upgrade – he is a first rate hypocrite,’’ Mr Ward said.

‘‘Rather than talk about issues that matter he has been smearing John Ajaka who completely complied with guidelines.’’

Mr Ward said he had never had a flight paid for by the taxpayer while an MP, but had been given an upgrade to business class on a private trip which he had declared.

Mr Ward said he would not comment on whether $26,000 for a week-long trip was excessive.

‘‘The University of Wollongong said John Ajaka’s trip was of value ... the former Labor government took plenty of overseas trips.’’

Mr Daley said it was his recollection that the delegation he was with had flown ‘‘premium economy’’, however he said he had clearly declared the upgrade at the appropriate time.

‘‘I wasn’t a minister at the time, I was part of the parliamentary delegation,’’ Mr Daley said.

Mr Daley said Mr Ajaka had a duty to declare his first class upgrade on the ministerial gift register and notify the Premier straight away.

‘‘He did neither,’’ Mr Daley said.

Mr Daley said questions remained over the cost of the trip to taxpayers which included $18,000 on airfares for Mr Ajaka and his adviser and $8000 on hotel accommodation at a time when cuts were taking place in the ageing and disability sectors.