Taxpayers waste $62,000 on flowers and concert for world leaders
- The Albanese government incurred $62,000 in costs for floral arrangements and a musical performance during an ASEAN summit in March 2023.
- Notable expenses included nearly $20,000 on flowers and $44,000 for singer Jessica Mauboy’s private performance.
- Critics argue that extravagant spending occurs during a time many Australians are struggling financially.
In March 2023, Australia hosted the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, where taxpayers financed extravagant costs totaling $62,000. This expenditure included $19,723 for floral arrangements provided by Melbourne's Flowers Vasette, featuring a 12-meter-long floral centerpiece, as well as $44,000 for a private concert performed by singer Jessica Mauboy, who entertained prominent leaders behind closed doors. Additionally, the costs extended to venue hire, catering, and accommodation for the 1,000+ delegates attending the summit. The event drew significant criticism from opposition members like James Stevens, highlighting the stark contrast between government spending on luxury items like floral displays and the struggles they claimed many Australians faced during tough economic times. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet defended these expenses by asserting that they adhered to Commonwealth procurement rules and underscored the summit's significance for Australia’s trade relations with ASEAN nations, which totaled $183.4 billion in two-way trade. The summit also served as a critical platform for discussions surrounding maritime operations and security, as tensions in the South China Sea and China's influence in the region were pivotal topics. Among the leaders present were the then-outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo and the former Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha Thavisin. Importantly, Anthony Albanese emphasized commitment to boosting Australia's investment in Southeast Asia by $2 billion to foster trade and create jobs domestically, proclaiming that this move would benefit national interests. The announcement included promises for additional support to Australian businesses abroad, enhanced infrastructure development, and extended visa provisions to facilitate business engagements overseas. With these initiatives, the Albanese government aimed not only to enhance bilateral ties but also to invigorate the Australian economy through strategic investments aimed at emerging markets in Southeast Asia, ultimately reflecting its aspiration to strengthen international collaboration and trade prospects.