The suggestion in some newspapers today that Kirribilli House was used for a Liberal Party fund raising event during last weekend's Federal Council meeting is wrong.
A fee of $7500 (plus GST where applicable) was paid by business observers to attend the Federal Council meeting and a series of associated briefings and events. Similar arrangements were in place for the Australian Labor Party's national conference.
A drinks function was held at Kirribilli House for Federal Council delegates. The business observers were also invited to this function.
The reception did not include dinner and the cost of the event, as arranged prior to the Federal Council, will be met by the Liberal Party, not the taxpayer.
Prior to the event my office received advice from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet that the use of an official residence for such a purpose, provided the cost of the function was paid by the Liberal Party, was appropriate.