REVEALED: The ABC and SBS have spent over $500,000 of YOUR money on lavish dinners and functions in the past 12 months
- One of the plush events was a 'drama showcase' in Canberra for parliament staff
- Other sizeable splurges included two $20,000 ABC community forum events
- SBS and ABC made up $507,898 of Department of Communications' total bill
- $51,560 opening of Melbourne community most expensive department event
The ABC and SBS have spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayers' dollars on extravagant dinners and functions in the last year.
The two organisations have collectively contributed $507,898 towards the Department of Communications and Arts $1.5 million hospitality bill.
One of the plush events included a 'drama showcase' hosted by SBS at Canberra's Parliament House for parliamentarians.
The ABC and SBS have spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayers' dollars on extravagant dinners and functions in the last year (stock image)
More splurges included two $20,000 ABC community forums the organisation held in order to meet their end of a government deal.
At one event hosted by the ABC at its Sydney headquarters, Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon was on the menu at a board industry event - which retails at $41.99 a bottle.
A department spokeswoman told The Herald Sun the event spending was within its rules, while the ABC also said it complied with their hospitality policies.
Share this article
'SBS engages regularly with diverse stakeholders through a range of forums that assist in improving understanding of the communities,' a spokeswoman for the media organisation said.
'We also provide valuable opportunities to increase awareness of our content and services, all in service of our charter,' she said.
The opening of the government-supported community hub Artbank in Melbourne was the most expensive event billed to the department.
One of the plush events included a 'drama showcase' hosted by SBS at Canberra's Parliament House (pictured) for parliamentarians
The two organisations have collectively contributed $507,898 towards the Department of Communications and Arts $1.5million hospitality bill - including one 'board industry' event hosted by the ABC at its Sydney headquarters (pictured)
Comments 0
Share what you think
No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
