Taxpayers to fund ASIC’s $30,000 Christmas party at Hilton Hotel
A Christmas party at the luxury Hilton Hotel in Sydney sounds like a great way to the end the year. It gets even better for staff at Australia’s corporate watchdog though because it is taxpayers who will cover the bill.
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Taxpayers will be slugged at least $30,000 for Australia’s corporate watchdog to host its Christmas party at Sydney’s luxury Hilton Hotel this year.
It can be revealed that the cost of end-of-year festive celebrations at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission has nearly doubled over the past nine years.
This year about 500 ASIC public servants will be treated to a two-course lunch with a basic drinks package at the five-star Hilton Hotel which will cost up to $36,350.
That will come at a cost of $95 per head but staff will pay $35 out of their own pocket so taxpayers only have to fork out $60 for each public servant’s booze and food, an ASIC spokeswoman confirmed.
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She said that would mean taxpayers would be forking out about $30,000 for the party.
It comes after a string of flash Christmas functions for ASIC staff after they spent $29,000 for a lunch at Doltone House Darling Island last year.
In 2010 ASIC’s Christmas party at the Hilton was $18,000, showing how costs have nearly doubled over the past decade.
Taxpayer’s Alliance policy director Satya Marar said the $30,000 Christmas party was out-of-touch with the modern day society.
“(Paying) $30,000 on a swanky office party at a time when politicians are constantly telling us to tighten our belts is unconscionable,” he said.
“Our public debt continues to climb and that is money our children and grandchildren will have to pay for, this sort of ostentatious celebration by a government agency bankrolled by taxpayers is completely out of touch.”
ASIC is at odds with some other federal government agencies and departments which are opting to fundraise or pay for their own events.
For example public servants from the Department of Human Services “pay their own way”.
“Staff either pay their own way or events are funded through internal social club fundraising activities,” a spokeswoman said.
Treasury staff, who are in control of the country’s budget, also have to fundraise to pay for their Christmas party.
“All social events at Treasury, including the Christmas party, are organised and paid for by the Social Club, which is a separate entity from the Department,” a Treasury spokeswoman said.
“The Social Club participates in fundraising activities to pay for these events, and receives an annual contribution from the Department.
“In 2018-19, the annual contribution was $8000.”
But the Department of Defence would not release its spend on its Christmas parties.
“As part of Defence’s work to support Australian Defence Force members and their families a number of events are held,” a Defence spokeswoman said.
“This includes Christmas events for deployed personnel to improve morale and support them during potentially emotionally difficult times, such as Christmas.”