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HomeAUMinister's Three-Day NYC Visit Costs Taxpayers Nearly $100K

Minister’s Three-Day NYC Visit Costs Taxpayers Nearly $100K

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Communications Minister Anika Wells spent almost $100,000 of taxpayer money on a three-day trip to New York City, according to documents released at Senate estimates.

Wells incurred a hefty bill of $94,828.75 on round-trip flights for herself and two team members to participate in the United Nations General Assembly in early September.

The expenses for the flights show that Wells’ own ticket amounted to $34,426.58.

Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport Anika Wells during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 10 November 2025. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Minister for Communications and Sport Anika Wells flew to NYC in September for just three days. (Alex Ellinghausen)

The deputy chief of staff accompanying the minister had flights costing $38,165.86, while the assistant secretary for online safety’s tickets came to $22,236.31 for the brief trip.

In addition, accommodation and transportation expenses in New York City reached nearly $22,296 for the group.

The UN General Assembly had significant Australian representation, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong also in attendance.

She was due to fly earlier alongside the PM but her trip was delayed by several days due to the Optus Triple Zero outage.

9news.com.au has contacted the minister’s office for comment.

Wells is scheduled to front the National Press Club in Canberra today.

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