Chief Minister Eva Lawler has revealed her “vitally important” trip to Japan next week will cost taxpayers just over $19,000 for her and two staffers, while stating the trip is necessary to meet with Inpex because the NT Government’s relationship with the Japanese gas giant is “probably just as big as our relationship with the Federal Government”.

Ms Lawler’s office announced the trip to Japan on Tuesday to engage in trade talks with Inpex and others but did not provide an estimated cost for the trip, which was criticised by the Opposition CLP.

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