The leader of the federal opposition, Peter Dutton, has pledged to abolish the position of Ambassador for First Nations Peoples if the Coalition wins the upcoming elections. This announcement follows revelations from the Daily Telegraph that the Albanese government spent over $350,000 in the past financial year on nine overseas trips for the ambassador, primarily to the US and Europe.
Justin Mohamed was appointed to this unique position in March 2023 by Foreign Minister Penny Wong and then-Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney. His initial mandate involved engaging with regional partners on the processes of the “Voice,” the “Treaty,” and “Truth,” but this mandate was rescinded following the failure of the referendum for the “Voice.”
Travel expenses disclosed under freedom of information laws indicate that Mr. Mohamed’s business class flights for 2023-24 exceeded $100,000. Dutton criticized these expenditures, arguing that the funds could be better used to address pressing economic issues facing Australians. “If we win the next election, this position will be abolished from the first day, and this money will be redirected to help Australians who are facing problems,” he stated on 2GB.
He emphasized the ongoing cost of living crisis, noting that many families are forced to choose between heating their homes and buying food.
The data reveals that Mr. Mohamed traveled extensively, including four trips to the US and visits to the United Arab Emirates for the UN climate change conference, with travel and hotel expenses totaling over $30,000 in the past financial year.
Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Jacinta Nampijinpa Price highlighted the stark contrast between these expenses and the experiences of marginalized Indigenous communities, questioning how these expenditures benefit First Nations peoples.
The Department of Foreign Affairs defended the role of the ambassador, asserting that it aligns with strategic priorities for incorporating First Nations perspectives into Australia’s foreign policy. Mr. Mohamed has previously served in various roles related to Aboriginal justice and leads an office with a budget of $13.6 million.
