Australian taxpayers are funding $5.6 million in luxury hotel accommodations in Fiji for a United Nations climate change preparatory meeting, with questions arising about the attendance of global leaders.
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen is set to chair four days of talks in Nadi from October 5 to 8 as part of his role as President of Negotiations for COP31. These preparatory discussions, referred to as a 'pre-COP,' are being held in Fiji as a result of a compromise after Turkey was chosen to host the main COP31 summit in Antalya later in November.
The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has secured bookings across several high-end resorts. Contracts include over $2.1 million for the five-star Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort, and more than $2 million for the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa and the Vatu Tale. Additional contracts totaling nearly $1 million have been signed with the Crowne Plaza Fiji and Nadi Bay Resort, with further spending at other hotels including the Wyndham Garden Wailoaloa Beach and the Radisson Blu Resort Fiji.
Only five leaders from outside the Pacific region have confirmed their attendance at the main summit: Thailand, Antigua and Barbuda, Cabo Verde, the Maldives, and Timor-Leste. Major global powers such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and China have yet to confirm their leaders' participation.
Critics have raised concerns about the expenditure, particularly given domestic economic pressures faced by Australians. The arrangement means that Australian taxpayer money is being spent on an offshore event, with the economic benefits flowing to Fiji, while the primary conference will be held in Turkey. A spokesperson for Minister Bowen defended the spending, stating that Australia is committed to working with Pacific partners to ensure a successful Pre-COP that strengthens regional stability, resilience, and security in the national interest.