Nationals Leader, David Littleproud, says revelations the cost of Labor hosting next year's United Nations Climate Change Summit could double to $2 billion show Labor is out of touch with Australians trying to just put food on the table.
The Australian Financial Review reports the estimated $1.3 billion cost of hosting the Summit does not include the associated gathering of world leaders and any new climate initiatives the government will announce.
Mr Littleproud said taxpayers would be forced to pay the bill amid a cost-of-living crisis, where recent charity reports show that nearly a third of Australian families have food insecurity.
"Australian families will pay for Minister Bowen's back-slapping world stage extravaganza," Mr Littleproud said.
"This is yet another example of Labor tossing money into the wind, without having any community consultation or feedback. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen could spend this money on Medicare, NDIS, or even a new hospital."
Mr Littleproud reiterated calls for Türkiye to host the Summit.
"If they want it, let them have it. Labor is already prepared to spend $9 trillion on its net zero plan, putting Medicare and the NDIS at risk.
"Labor is not prioritising Australian households, not just in the possible hosting of the Summit but also what they are doing to Australians with their energy bills. We need to get back to common sense."
Mr Littleproud said The Nationals have a cheaper, better, fairer energy and climate plan.
"Our plan is cheaper because we will lower energy prices first, use all of our resources and abandon the commitment to net zero. All carbon taxes and restrictions should be removed.
"Our plan is better because we will protect our local environment through local community action such as waterway protection, land restoration, and soil carbon. We will ensure that our national security is not compromised.
"Our plan is fairer because we will reduce emissions in line with comparable nations, not ahead of them. We will ensure that costs are distributed fairly, not concentrated on regional Australia.
"The Nationals have a cheaper, fairer, better solution that will lower the cost of electricity bills for households and businesses."
