Environment Department executives had a $3533 ‘celebratory lunch” at Ayers House.
Source: News Corp Australia
SOME of the state’s most senior government leaders have chomped and guzzled their way through tens of thousands of dollars worth of food and drink at Adelaide’s finest restaurants in 12 months.
Official documents show Ministers and the heads of each State Government department have billed the taxpayer almost $80,000 on entertaining.
The total bill, which was mostly accrued through corporate credit cards, excludes meal and alcohol consumption wrapped into accommodation bills, which can top $50,000 for an overseas trip.
The $76,668 of expenses, released
Favourites include Chianti Classico on Hutt St, which hosted seven lunches, between $91 and $675, that cost taxpayers almost $2150.
The Attorney General’s Department spent $11,477 for Christmas drinks at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Power-breakfast venue Georges, on Waymouth St, also featured prominently with taxpayers footing the almost $3000 for 10 meals ranging in cost from $110 and $705.
Enzo’s Ristorante, on Port Rd at Hindmarsh, was also a favourite, with eight lunches that cost between $70 and $663, for a grand total of almost $2700.
The expenditure was previously kept secret but monthly costs for entertainment, mobile phone use, travel and departmental CEO office expenditure are posted by all government departments under “open disclosure’’ reforms by Mr Weatherill.
Compiled by The Advertiser from the most recent 12 month’s of declarations, the websites show Parliament House dining was the most popular with events ranging from $36 to $1431.
Xenophon team MLC John Darley said the spending went far beyond what was acceptable.
“I can understand the merit of holding business meetings over a meal if this builds relationships between government and the private sector, especially if there is ultimately a benefit to South Australia. But this expenditure goes way beyond that,’’ he said.
The biggest spend was at the Adelaide Convention Centre where the Attorney-General’s Department had $11,477 worth of Christmas drinks for public servants and their guests, including judges, who are currently protesting the lack of funding for courts.
An Adelaide Oval catering bill of $7400 was also run up for 100 people, while at historic Ayers House 71 senior Environment Department staff enjoyed a $3533 “celebratory lunch” while presiding over deep funding cuts to that Department from $185 million last year to $117 million this year, or 40 per cent.
The Environment Department, via the CEO’s credit card, had the most functions for staff; $209 was spent at Estia to farewell EPA staff, $199 at Jasmin Restaurant for another staff farewell, a forum for 25 senior staff at Skydeck costing $1601 and another at the Pirie St rooftop venue costing $1292 featuring “drinks and nibbles”.
Police Commissioner Gary Burns spent $21,008 hosting a convention of other police commissioners but it was not stated if the total included venue hire or only food and drinks.
Mr Darley said staff farewells should be paid for by staff themselves.
“The taxpayer should not be footing the bill for departmental staff functions such as farewells or Christmas celebrations, nor should they be footing the bill for perks which others in the community simply cannot afford,’’ he said.
“I objected when I discovered some departments were receiving weekly deliveries of fresh fruit for their staff.
“This is especially woeful when there are so many struggling families who rely on initiatives such school breakfast programs.’’
* Miles Kemp was among guests at a lunch hosted by Premier Jay Weatherill.
… and what do they dine on the most?
By Simon Wilkinson
THIS state runs on pasta and parmigiana. At least that’s the first conclusion to draw from looking at the favourite lunch haunts of our pollies and departmental decision makers.
The list is dominated by the city’s favourite Italian restaurants — Chianti Classico, Pranzo, Insieme, Enzo’s, Parliamento and George’s on Waymouth.
As well as turning out some of our best “cucina”, most of these establishments also have wine lists of considerable length and potential for expenditure, which may not be a coincidence.
And, just as importantly, they are extremely well managed, with service that is prompt, welcoming and no doubt discrete when necessary.
It’s refreshing to see that a few of our leaders are prepared to leave the well-worn path to eat at a few more interest places as well, such as Press and Peel St, in the CBD, and even suburban gems including Hellenic Argo at Port Adelaide.
Generally, however, the choices are as predictable as the argy-bargy of Question Time.
Taxpayer-funded fine dining costs for ministers and State Government CEOS tops almost $80,000
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