Quarterly expenditure reports obtained by the Opposition through freedom of information requests have revealed the extent of Kevin Rudd's taxpayer-funded largess.
The reports show Australia's ambassador to the United States spent almost $54,000 on private dinners over the last 21 months. This is in addition to the more than $15,000 he spent on private breakfasts and lunches at the embassy.
More recently, Ambassador Rudd spent $1,476 on Christmas cards and decorations for his private residence.
Government waste spokesman, James Stevens, said that "while the festive season is just beginning for most Australians, it seems Ambassador Rudd has been in a festive mood all year.
“In addition to the regular program of fun and frivolity at Rudd’s Party Palace, it’s remarkable he’s found the time to bill taxpayers a further $70,000 for private meals.
“While Labor’s cost of living crisis is forcing many Australians to cut-back this Christmas, Kevin Rudd has spent $1,500 of taxpayers’ money on Christmas cards and decorations for his private residence," Mr Stevens said.