Taxpayer funds luxury Fiji climate summit accommodation

Energy Minister Chris Bowen's department has allocated over four million dollars in taxpayer funds for luxury accommodation at three five-star resorts in Fiji, including the Sheraton, Sofitel and Radisson, to host foreign bureaucrats attending a pre-COP climate summit event. As co-president of the Conference of the Parties, Bowen oversees expenditure that will cover costs for some international delegations, though it remains unclear how much will be reimbursed. Critics argue the spending is inappropriate while Australians struggle with rising energy bills, suggesting virtual meetings could replace the in-person pre-conference gathering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.