Australian taxpayers have reportedly been left with an $80,000 bill after staff from the Albanese government attended a paid speaking event featuring former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern. The report raises questions about the use of public funds for government employees to attend the engagement, at a time when household budgets and government spending are under scrutiny in Australia.

The article's full details were not available beyond the headline, so specifics such as which department was involved, how many staff attended, or the exact nature of the event could not be confirmed. The figure of $80,000 is cited as the cost borne by taxpayers for the attendance.