When it comes to international diplomacy and hosting world leaders, the stakes are high and the expectations even higher. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese certainly set the bar with a grand gesture of hospitality, treating dignitaries to an evening of opulence that included a $60,000 splurge on flowers and entertainment. This extravagant display took place at the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit in Melbourne, a significant event marking 50 years of partnership, where 11 prime ministers, presidents, and sultans gathered to discuss and celebrate their collective and individual ties with Australia.
The summit, a melting pot of cultural exchange and political dialogue, was not just about the meetings behind closed doors but also about the grandeur of the events that accompanied it. The Prime Minister’s office, through freedom of information documents, revealed an $18,000 expenditure on floral arrangements and a $44,000 fee for the performance by ARIA-winner Jess Mauboy. The dinner, a centerpiece of the summit, was adorned with a $7,000 12-meter dining table centrepiece, a testament to the importance of the occasion.
While the display of flowers and the hiring of a celebrated artist like Jess Mauboy, who expressed her honour at performing for such a prestigious gathering, added a touch of Australian culture and luxury to the event, it has not been without controversy. Opposition waste spokesman James Stevens criticised the expense as ‘remarkable and insulting,’ especially during a time when many Australians are grappling with cost-of-living pressures. The sentiment reflects a broader concern about the use of taxpayer money and the scrutiny over government spending.
However, the Prime Minister’s office defended the expenditure, stating that it was in line with similar events, such as the 2018 ASEAN conference held in Sydney. They emphasised the economic significance of the relationship between Australia and the ASEAN nations, citing a two-way trade total of $183.4 billion last year. This figure underscores the strategic importance of such events, which often serve as a platform for strengthening trade ties and international relations.
The ASEAN summit was not just about the dinner and the performances. The National Gallery of Victoria was hired at a cost of more than $41,000, with an additional $13,600 spent on food and drinks. These figures, while eye-catching, are part of a broader narrative about the costs associated with hosting international events of this caliber.
What are your thoughts on balancing diplomacy with expenditure for events like this? How do you feel about the allocation of taxpayer money for hosting international gatherings? Join the conversation and share your perspective.
Petty complaints, given the benefits trade yields with our ASEAN partners, and money spent on diplomacy provides more results than money spent on defence. What would you have Australia do – take them all to the nearest McDonalds for a burger and hold the conference in the car park? Frankly it’s a pretty low cost for an event of this nature.
Des, I agree. $60,000 is cheap for that sort of event.
$183B two way trade exchange last year !?! YOU think a couple of Maccas burgers, instant coffee and a bunch of plastic flowers on each table would suffice for these ‘reps’ ? You have to be kidding. Get real.
Mouboy is not worth $44,000 !
How much should the Australian Government spend on Hosting the ASEAN Leaders,
$60,000 or up to $100,000, or would you prefer $5,000 or up to $10,000.
I know which one I would endorse to Entertain 11 prime ministers, presidents, and sultans !!!