Bowen’s side role at international summit will cost taxpayers almost $150m
Australia is set to spend nearly $150 million on Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen's role as president of negotiations at the upcoming United Nations climate conference. This funding will also support Pacific nations' participation in the event. Bowen's appointment comes after the Albanese government withdrew its bid to host the summit, which was awarded to Turkey instead.
- ▪The funding includes 70 full-time equivalent staff to support Bowen's role.
- ▪Bowen's position allows him to select international leaders for negotiations and draft final resolutions.
- ▪The budget for the conference will not exceed $148 million, as confirmed by Environment Department officials.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.