Celia Pacquola's $15K Presentation Sparks Federal Politics Outcry
Celia Pacquola's Controversial $15,000 Hire
The Federal Department of Infrastructure has faced criticism after it emerged that they spent more than $15,000 of taxpayer funds on a presentation by comedian Celia Pacquola from the popular TV show Utopia. This decision is seen as part of a broader issue within federal politics, where funding priorities are scrutinized.
Backlash from Critics
The expense, revealed by the Daily Telegraph, has raised eyebrows. Brian Marlow, president of the Australian Taxpayers Alliance, expressed disappointment, stating, “They paid $15k for an inside joke.” Critics argue that if the government truly cared about mental health, they should invest in expert advice rather than hiring entertainers.
Defending the Expenditure
A spokesperson for the Department defended the expenditure, highlighting that Pacquola's participation was intended to support mental health initiatives during Mental Health and Safe Work Month. They affirmed the department's commitment to fostering open discussions about mental health.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.