Kevin Rudd, now Australia’s ambassador to the United States, has been slammed for his ‘proclivity for partying’ after staging a Pride gala even more lavish – and costly – than the last.
Last year, Mr Rudd, 66, threw an extravagant ‘pride party’ at his White Oaks residence in Washington which cost taxpayers upwards of $23,000, triggering accusations he had turned the embassy into a ‘party house’.
But it’s now been revealed this year’s fete held on June 13 saw the entertainment budget blow out to more than $64,000.
Public money was splurged on hiring a Eurovision act, drag queens ‘Kitty Glitter’ and ‘Crystal Edge’ at a price of $3,500, and a staggering $20,000 on finger food.
The caterers provided an array of petite Aussie classics including ‘mini chicken parmas’, ‘mini BLTs’ and ‘honey mint lamb bites’ for the 200 guests over two-and-a-half hours, plus ‘stuffed lammies’ arrived for dessert.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) was also billed $6,000 for a representation of Australian beers, wine, and spirits.
Attendees were offered curated ales from Bent Spoke and Coopers, Yalumba Sauvignon Blanc and Tasmanian Jansz Brut Cuvée.
A balloon arch, a photographer to document the event, photo booth and magnets were invoiced to nearly $3,900.
Australia’s Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd is seen at the ‘party house’ Australian embassy in June this year at his Pride celebration
Mr Rudd (pictured during his 2023 pride party) spent upwards of $64,000 on the 2024 gala
South Australian electro-soul duo Electric Fields performed for $10,000, arriving fresh from this years’ Eurovision song contest.
‘Diverse, LGBTQ, Veteran Owned Facility Partner’ cleaning company Facilities Partners and Solutions then came in ‘after hours’ to clean the Embassy’s atrium.
Stage, sound and lighting technicians cost a reported total of $21,000 for the event and hotel rooms for guests cost $2,700.
The federal opposition acquired the costings under freedom of information laws, which have since been obtained by Daily Mail Australia.
Federal Opposition MP James Stevens said Mr Rudd, who was known for the long hours he and beleagured staff worked while he was Prime Minister, had let his hair down in the US.
‘There are many important aspects of the ambassador’s role, but all we seem to hear about is Dr Rudd’s proclivity for partying,’ he told the Daily Telegraph.
‘Anthony Albanese must explain why he thinks it is appropriate for his ambassador to spend our money in this way, when everyday Australians are suffering through Labor’s long and painful cost-of-living crisis.’
Drag DJ Kitty Glitter and performer Crystal Edge performed at the lavish Pride gala
MP James Stevens said Mr Rudd has a ‘proclivity for partying’ and questioned his spending
The diplomatic gala bridged World Pride celebrations in Australia and next year’s event set to be held in Washington.
DFAT said Australian embassies and diplomats ‘regularly’ host functions for influential stakeholders.
‘Celebrating Pride Month has been an integral part of the Australian Embassy in Washington DC’s public diplomacy since 2017,’ the department said.
A key element of this has been hosting a Pride Reception which began in 2021 at the Deputy Chief of Mission’s Residence and which has grown in size and stature since then.
‘In 2024, the Embassy’s Pride event again hosted by the Deputy Chief of Mission was deliberately designed to mark the handover from Sydney WorldPride to next year’s WorldPride host, Washington DC and included hundreds of guests from Congress and across government, media and the private sector.’
The Australian Ambassador previously faced criticism for the purchase of a $15,000 barbecue and the amount spent on parties, butlers and alcohol at the embassy.
Mr Rudd’s expenses, though, still came in under budget in 2023 and a number of costs were covered by corporate sponsorships.
The former Australian prime minister said his spending represented a ’25 per cent reduction’ on the amount spent before the pandemic.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk