Labor government slammed for $150,000 spending spree on functions and hospitality in three months

The federal government has spent more than $150,000 on functions in just three months leaving taxpayers to foot the hefty bill.

Between June and August, more than $10,000 was spent on morning teas to introduce ministers to departmental staff.

These events were held for foreign affairs minister Penny Wong, health minister Mark Butler, aged care minister Annika Wells, attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and arts minister Tony Burke. 

The Albanese government has spent more than $150,000 in three months on functions and hospitality for the purpose of 'introducing themselves'

The Albanese government has spent more than $150,000 in three months on functions and hospitality for the purpose of ‘introducing themselves’

Between June and August more than $10,000 was spent on morning teas to introduce ministers to departmental staff. These events were held for Penny Wong, Mark Butler, Annika Wells, Mark Dreyfus and Tony Burke

Between June and August more than $10,000 was spent on morning teas to introduce ministers to departmental staff. These events were held for Penny Wong, Mark Butler, Annika Wells, Mark Dreyfus and Tony Burke

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt’s department spent more than $40,000 on a conference for his staff, with more than $15,000 spent on food and alcohol, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Mr Burke also dipped his hand into the money well, spending just shy of $40,000 on 14 town hall meetings with ‘artists and workers in the arts, entertainment and cultural sector’, alongside Susan Templeman.

Ms Wong has been busy welcoming stakeholders, setting back taxpayers $29,784.

Her events included a ‘networking brunch’ in Kuala Lumpur which cost almost $7,000 and a $5,846 reception for provincial politicians in Malaysia.

She also hosted a $6,735 cocktail party for foreign diplomats and various get-togethers and functions upwards of a thousand dollars each.

Minister Penny Wong (pictured) has been busy welcoming stakeholders, setting back taxpayers $29,784. Her events included a 'networking brunch' in Kuala Lumpur which cost almost $7,000 and a $5,846 reception for provincial politicians in Malaysia

Minister Penny Wong (pictured) has been busy welcoming stakeholders, setting back taxpayers $29,784. Her events included a ‘networking brunch’ in Kuala Lumpur which cost almost $7,000 and a $5,846 reception for provincial politicians in Malaysia

Tony Burke (pictured) also dipped his hand into the money well, spending just shy of $40,000 on 14 town hall meetings with 'artists and workers in the arts, entertainment and cultural sector', alongside Susan Templeman.

Tony Burke (pictured) also dipped his hand into the money well, spending just shy of $40,000 on 14 town hall meetings with ‘artists and workers in the arts, entertainment and cultural sector’, alongside Susan Templeman.

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland spent $13,234.50 on a reception, including more than $4,000 worth of canapes and upwards of $3,000 on alcohol.

Mr Butler spent $16,568.30 on a health workforce event, welcoming doctors and medical professionals.

Guests included 11 public servants and four from the Minister’s staff.

Shadow Attorney-General Michaelia Cash compared the splashing of cash to that of the Gough Whitlam government.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Government adhered to all rules and guidelines and said the expenditure was appropriate

A spokesman for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Government adhered to all rules and guidelines and said the expenditure was appropriate

‘It looks like the Albanese government is living it up in the best traditions of Labor governments, going all the way back to the Whitlam era,’ she said.

‘The government talks a big game about being sound economic managers, but this type of spending on cocktail parties, functions and conferences, exposes what they are really like.’

A spokesman for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Government adhered to all rules and guidelines and said the expenditure was appropriate.

‘These are not unusual events, especially for a new government,’ he said.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Mr Albanese’s office for comment. 

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