Controversial Aussie coffee stand at COP31 sees 45 minute queues – but sparks $32K political row for ‘wasting’ taxpayers’ money

A coffee stand at an international climate summit has triggered a political row over its price tag, despite proving so popular that delegates are reportedly waiting up to 45 minutes to get their hands on a cup.

The Australian Government has allocated $32,100 to provide free coffee at its pavilion at COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, prompting the Coalition to accuse Anthony Albanese’s government of wasting taxpayers’ money.

But former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has thrown his support behind the spending, describing it as a smart way to showcase Australia’s renowned coffee culture on the international stage.

‘I don’t actually drink a lot of coffee, so I probably won’t be having a coffee. But can I say to you, I think this is one of the smartest things the Australian government does at COPs because everyone knows Australian coffee is the best, and it gets people to the pavilion,’ he said on Wednesday morning.

‘Of all the dollars that are spent on marketing here, that is probably the best dollar spent.’

An estimated 1,800 drinks have been served since the conference opened on Monday, equating to around 80 cups an hour.

Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has also been forced to defend the government’s broader spending at the summit, hitting back at Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.

Mr Bowen accused the Coalition of hypocrisy, arguing some of the expenses now under fire were introduced when Mr Taylor was energy minister.

‘Does he want one lump of hypocrisy or two with his coffee?’ Mr Bowen told the ABC.

‘My job is to steer consensus to the most ambitious outcome that consensus will allow,’ he added.

COP31 is the United Nations’ annual climate summit, bringing together world leaders and representatives from more than 190 countries to negotiate global action on climate change. 

Nicki Hutley, lead economist at the independent Climate Council, said Australia had secured a prominent position at the Antalya Expo Centre.

‘We have a big space, and everyone is coming for the coffee,’ she said.

Australia has taken on a key role at the summit, with Mr Bowen tasked with helping broker an agreement between countries on the next steps to tackle climate change.

However, Australia’s continued expansion of coal and gas production has drawn criticism from environmental campaigners, who argue it conflicts with the country’s ambitions to be recognised as a global climate leader.

Mr Bowen rejected those claims, saying other nations understood the practical challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels while maintaining reliable energy supplies. He also defended Australia’s continued coal and gas exports, arguing other countries remained dependent on the resources to power their energy systems.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also defended Australia’s participation in the summit, saying maintaining a strong presence was vital to the nation’s relationships with Pacific neighbours and its wider national security interests. 

The row over spending comes as 192 Australian officials attend the conference, with the Coalition putting the cost of accommodation and hospitality at an estimated $2.2million.

Australia was awarded the presidency of the climate negotiations through a deal with Turkey, after its bid to host the summit in Adelaide fell through.