Travel records obtained by the Opposition through Freedom of Information applications have revealed the startling cost of the government attending the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28) in the UAE last year.
The documents show that it cost the taxpayer almost $1.3 million to send 61 people to Dubai, an average of $21,150 per person. However, the total number of taxpayer-funded attendees - which included Australia’s First Nations Ambassador and one of his staff – was closer to 100, meaning the total travel bill would likely have surpassed $2 million.
Opposition waste spokesman, James Stevens, said “emitting more than 200 flights’ worth of carbon to attend a conference about reducing carbon emissions is the height of irony.
“Australia needs appropriate representation at international events such as COP. What is not appropriate is for a ballooning number of public servants to treat such events as an overseas taxpayer-funded jamboree.
“This exorbitant public expense shows just how divorced from reality the Albanese Government is.
“This government is far more interested in overseas trips and photo opportunities than addressing the real-world problems facing Australians.
“Australians are growing sick and tired of Labor’s wrong priorities and wasteful spending. They deserve better,” Mr Stevens said.
