Australian Senate debates climate summit expenditure

The Albanese government is facing scrutiny in the Senate over spending related to pre-COP climate meetings. During Senate estimates, it was revealed that $682,000 was spent on rooms at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour to host a series of meetings in September.

Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson criticized the expenditure by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, describing it as “simply out of control.” Labor Senator Tim Ayres contested Henderson’s characterization of the costs, citing previous high-level summit expenditures.

Additionally, Senate proceedings revealed that Australia’s financial contribution to hosting an upcoming pre-COP event in Fiji may reach $34.6 million, a figure higher than the $20 million previously reported. Dr. Sally Box, head of the international climate negotiations division, stated the Sydney hotel contract was part of a $150 million budget for pre-COP activities and supported multiple international delegate events.