Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be honoured with an Atlantic Council Global Citizen Award while attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month, sharing the accolade with Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The trip, chiefly intended for his UN appearance where he plans to promote Australia's social media ban, will reportedly be funded by Australian taxpayers, reviving scrutiny over the cost of ministers' overseas travel.

The Washington-based think tank praised Albanese for strengthening Australia's alliances and bolstering stability in the Indo-Pacific, with the awards ceremony set for 23 September. Communications Minister Anika Wells, previously criticised for spending almost $95,000 on flights for herself and two staff to attend last year's summit, will not be attending this time. The Global Citizen Awards are among the Atlantic Council's flagship events, traditionally drawing heads of government, diplomats and celebrities during UN General Assembly week, with past honourees including French President Emmanuel Macron.