UPDATE: New documents reveal that Communications Minister Anika Wells spent nearly $100,000 on a trip to New York earlier this year to promote the Labor government’s under-16s social media ban. This urgent expenditure raises questions about government priorities amid ongoing crises back home.
During her three-day visit in September, coinciding with the UN High Level Week, Wells engaged in around a dozen meetings with top technology firms including Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft. Critics are now questioning the appropriateness of this lavish trip as taxpayers footed the bill for a significant portion of the expenses.
According to official disclosures, flights for Wells, her deputy chief of staff, and Assistant Secretary of Online Safety Anthea Fell cost between $22,000 and $38,000 per person. Additionally, over $15,000 was spent on accommodations, while meals, ground transport, and other incidentals added more than $7,000 to the total.
Opposition communications spokesperson Melissa McIntosh sharply criticized the trip, stating, “This was clearly a PR trip. The Minister should never have left her post during the triple-0 crisis.” As Australia faced significant challenges, including the Optus triple-0 crisis, Wells was in New York hosting a lavish event that cost taxpayers over $73,000.
While families in Australia are left questioning how the government plans to enforce the under-16 social media ban—set to take effect on December 10—Wells and her team were promoting its success on an international stage.
During her time in New York, Wells shared a moment on Instagram at Old Mates Pub, alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who were also attending UN meetings. The caption read, “Sometimes you’ve got to celebrate the big moments,” further fueling public outrage.
Official responses highlighted that Wells met with various international counterparts and industry groups, focusing on Australia’s efforts to enhance online safety and promote the social media age reform. “The Minister committed to share information about Australia’s experience implementing the social media minimum age,” the statement read.
As the Albanese government pushes for international support of the social media ban, Malaysia has also announced plans to implement a similar ban for children under 16 starting next year. The global trend underscores the urgency of addressing online safety for younger users, yet the financial implications of Wells’ trip cannot be overlooked.
As this situation develops, many are left to ponder the effectiveness of government spending and the genuine commitment to online safety. With heightened scrutiny on government actions, the path ahead for Australia’s social media regulations remains uncertain.
