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Documents obtained by the Opposition through Freedom of Information requests have revealed the eye-watering amount of money spent by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on Welcome to Country ceremonies.
The records show DFAT spent $102,121 on 97 separate ceremonies over a two-year period.
These figures come on the back of the more than $450,000 spent by 21 other departments over the same period.
Opposition Government Waste spokesman, James Stevens, said "these latest revelations reinforce that Welcome to Country ceremonies are not genuine if they have to be paid for.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs has forked out over $100,000 for 97 separate ceremonies over a 2-year period.
“If people are charging to conduct these ceremonies, then they’re doing it for the wrong reasons.
“This is another example of taxpayer funds being spent on symbolism rather than practical outcomes for Indigenous communities," Mr Stevens said.
