Australian Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen is under scrutiny for nearly $2.2 million in projected hospitality expenses related to Australia's involvement in the COP31 climate conference in Turkey. Bowen holds the role of co-President for the summit, which began November 8 in Antalya.
His department has issued contracts totaling almost $1.3 million for event management and an additional $872,682 to a luxury resort operator. A notable expense is a $32,000 contract awarded to Espresso Akademi Gıda Danışmanlık Sanayi ve Ticaret for supplying coffee to the Australian Pavilion and Delegation Office. This coffee is intended as an "engagement tool" for delegates visiting the pavilion.
Opposition energy spokesperson Dan Tehan criticized the spending, stating, "Chris Bowen should take his own Nescafe. When will the penny drop that there is a cost-of-living crisis in Australia?"
The COP31 summit, running from November 9 to 20, has faced controversy. The United Nations acknowledged in September that the 2015 Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C by the end of the decade is unlikely to be met. The scale of the event has also drawn criticism, with one former UN staffer questioning the necessity of large delegate numbers.
Despite the United States not officially participating in the talks, an American congressional delegation is attending. Representative Sean Casten indicated the delegation would fulfill an "important diplomatic function."