Senate clash over $682,000 hotel contract and $34.6 million Fiji pre-COP spend

During Senate estimates, Liberal senator Sarah Henderson questioned why the climate department allocated $682,000 to Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for a series of pre-COP gatherings, suggesting the amount could buy a hotel. Labor senator Tim Ayres countered, noting past government hotel bookings of larger scale. Department head Sally Box confirmed the contract falls within a $150 million pre-COP budget and covers several events over weeks, though she could not detail room counts or accommodation specifics.

Further testimony disclosed that Australia’s financial commitment to the pre-COP summit in Fiji may reach $34.6 million, with $8.4 million for venues and accommodation, $20 million for event management, and $2 million for broadcast services. Officials expect some costs to be offset by contributions from attending nations. The department asserted the Fiji event advanced Pacific climate priorities and prepared the agenda for COP31 in Turkey.