An Australian coffee stand at an international climate summit has become the centre of a political dispute over its cost, even as its popularity has reportedly left delegates waiting as long as 45 minutes for a drink.
The Australian Government has committed $32,100 to serve complimentary coffee at its pavilion during COP31 in Antalya, Turkey. The expenditure has prompted the Coalition to accuse Anthony Albanese’s government of misusing taxpayer funds.
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, however, backed the decision, arguing that the stand offers an effective way to promote Australia’s celebrated coffee culture to an international audience.
“I don’t actually drink a lot of coffee, so I probably won’t be having one. But I think this is one of the smartest things the Australian government does at COPs because everyone knows Australian coffee is the best, and it draws people into the pavilion,” he said on Wednesday morning.
“Of all the dollars spent on marketing here, that is probably the best dollar spent.”
Around 1,800 drinks have reportedly been served since the conference began on Monday, equal to roughly 80 cups every hour.
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has also been pressed to justify the government’s wider spending at the summit, responding directly to criticism from Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.
Mr Bowen accused the Coalition of double standards, saying some of the costs now being attacked were introduced while Mr Taylor served as energy minister.
Australia’s $32,100 coffee stand at COP31 has become the focus of a political spending dispute
The Coalition says Anthony Albanese’s government is wasting taxpayer money
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull called the coffee stand “one of the smartest things” Australia does at COPs
“Does he want one lump of hypocrisy or two with his coffee?” Mr Bowen told the ABC.
“My job is to steer consensus towards the most ambitious outcome that consensus will allow,” he said.
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COP31 is the United Nations’ annual climate conference, bringing together leaders and representatives from more than 190 countries to negotiate coordinated action on climate change.
Nicki Hutley, lead economist at the independent Climate Council, said Australia had secured a high-profile location at the Antalya Expo Centre.
“We have a big space, and everyone is coming for the coffee,” she said.
Australia is playing a significant role at the summit, where Mr Bowen has been tasked with helping negotiate an agreement on the next phase of global climate action.
Yet environmental campaigners have criticised Australia’s continued growth in coal and gas production, arguing it undermines the nation’s efforts to establish itself as an international climate leader.
Mr Bowen dismissed that criticism, saying other countries recognised the practical difficulties of moving away from fossil fuels while ensuring dependable energy supplies. He also defended Australia’s ongoing coal and gas exports, noting that other nations still rely on those resources to run their energy systems.
Mr Bowen accused the Coalition of hypocrisy, saying some of the disputed expenses began when Mr Taylor was energy minister
COP31 brings together leaders and officials from more than 190 countries for negotiations on global climate action
About 1,800 drinks have been served since Monday, but the Coalition has questioned the cost
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has likewise defended Australia’s presence at the summit, saying a strong diplomatic role is essential to the nation’s relationships with Pacific neighbours and its broader national security interests.
The spending controversy comes as 192 Australian officials attend the conference. The Coalition estimates accommodation and hospitality costs at approximately $2.2 million.
Australia secured the presidency of the climate negotiations through an agreement with Turkey after its proposal to host the summit in Adelaide was unsuccessful.
