ABC News this morning.
The Senate Estimates Committee has been told that the 2020 summit in April has already cost the Government $1.9 million in contracts and other invoices are yet to be received.
The costs cover things such as uniforms, catering, events management and transport.
Liberal Senator Michael Ronaldson has been particularly critical of a funding for a time capsule he has described as self-indulgent.
"What a lot of fluff, honestly and truly, $11,000," he said.
The Federal Government has also faced a grilling over a media contract for the 2020 summit, which was awarded to the wife of the Defence Minister's media adviser.
The Opposition has questioned the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet about a contract that was given to a media company called CMAX.
On the NSW North Coast we have some of the least affordable housing, lowest individual incomes and longest public dental treatment waiting lists in Australia.
So it is a real slap in the face when the level of indulgence displayed by the Rudd Government is exposed.
This is the same government who cries it's budget is too restricted this year to bring disabled pensioners up to the same financial status as other pensioners receiving Centrelink or Dept. of Veteran's Affair's payments.
It is even more galling when it is revealed in the estimates committee hearing last Monday that taxpayers footed the bill for the Clerk of the Senate to attend because of the position he held but not in any official capacity.
Apparently the taxpayer was paying for all manner of politician and public servant to attend as recipients of unsolicited invitations.
It seems we paid a great deal of money for government shepherds to herd the summiteer flock.
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