Documents obtained by the Opposition through Freedom of Information requests show Australia’s Embassy in Washington commissioned a $45,000 musical piece to celebrate the anniversary of the opening of Australia’s new embassy.
The score, written for a cello and piano, was composed by Michael Grebla, and was performed for the first time at the Embassy’s First Anniversary party, hosted by Ambassador Kevin Rudd. In addition to the musical composition, the party cost the taxpayers $26,000 for the event.
Opposition waste spokesman, James Stevens, said “This Ode to Kevin is just the latest number in Kevin Rudd’s concert of taxpayer-funded largesse at his ‘Party Palace’ in Washington.
“Holding a party to celebrate the anniversary of another party is wholly detached from the struggles facing everyday Australians.
“Just weeks out from last year’s critical Presidential election, a $45,000 symphonic commission seems a complete distraction from the important priority of building relationships with key members of future US administrations.
“It has become abundantly clear that Australia needs an ambassador focussed on key issues regarding our relationship with the US including tariffs and AUKUS. What is not clear is how Kevin Rudd is squeezing these priorities in between embassy parties and book sales tours.
“While Australians continue to suffer through Labor’s cost-of-living crisis, Ambassador Rudd is living high on the hog at the taxpayers’ expense,” Mr Stevens said.
