It cost how much? The staggering amount ex-PM Kevin Rudd racked up for his Pride party featuring Eurovision acts and drag queens

Kevin Rudd, now Australia’s ambassador to the United States, has been criticised for his “penchant for partying” after he organised a Pride gala that was even more lavish – and expensive – than the last.

Last year, Rudd, 66, threw an extravagant “pride party” at his White Oaks, Washington, home that cost taxpayers more than $23,000, leading to accusations that he had turned the embassy into a “party venue.”

But now it has been revealed that the entertainment budget for this year’s festival, which was held on June 13, has risen to more than $64,000.

Government money was spent on hiring a Eurovision act, drag queens ‘Kitty Glitter’ and ‘Crystal Edge’ at a cost of $3,500, and a staggering $20,000 on snacks.

The caterers provided a range of small Australian classics including mini chicken parmas, mini BLTs and honey mint lamb bites for the 200 guests over the two and a half hours. For dessert, stuffed lamb was also served.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) also received an invoice for $6,000 for a representation of Australian beer, wine and spirits.

Attendees could choose from carefully selected beers from Bent Spoke and Coopers, Yalumba Sauvignon Blanc and Tasmanian Jansz Brut Cuvée.

A balloon arch, a photographer to capture the event, a photo booth and magnets cost nearly $3,900.

Mr Rudd (pictured at his 2023 Pride party) spent more than $64,000 on the 2024 gala

South Australian electro-soul duo Electric Fields performed for $10,000 and have just returned from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

The cleaning company Facilities Partners and Solutions, a partner in facilities for diverse LGBTQ people and veterans, then came by ‘after hours’ to clean the embassy atrium.

Stage, sound and lighting technicians reportedly cost a total of $21,000 for the event, and hotel rooms for guests cost $2,700.

The Federal Opposition obtained the costings under the Freedom of Information Act, which has since been obtained by Daily Mail Australia.

Federal Opposition MP James Stevens said Rudd, who was known for the long hours he and his beleaguered staff worked when he was prime minister, had let himself go in the US.

“There are many important aspects to the ambassador’s role, but all we hear about is Dr Rudd’s penchant for partying,” he told the Daily Telegraph.

‘Anthony Albanese needs to explain why he thinks it is appropriate for his ambassador to spend our money in this way, while ordinary Australians suffer through the Labor Party’s long and painful cost of living crisis.’

Drag DJ Kitty Glitter and performer Crystal Edge performed at the lavish Pride gala

MP James Stevens said Rudd has a ‘penchant for partying’ and questioned his spending

The diplomatic gala formed a bridge between World Pride celebrations in Australia and the event to be held in Washington next year.

According to DFAT, Australian embassies and diplomats “regularly” host meetings for influential stakeholders.

“Since 2017, celebrating Pride Month has been an integral part of the Australian Embassy’s public diplomacy in Washington DC,” the ministry said.

A key part of this was the organisation of a Pride Reception, which began in 2021 at the residence of the Deputy Chief of Mission and has since grown in size and stature.

‘The Embassy’s 2024 Pride event, again hosted by the Deputy Chief of Mission, was purposefully designed to mark the handover of Sydney WorldPride to next year’s WorldPride host, Washington DC. It was attended by hundreds of guests from Congress, government, media and the private sector.’

The Australian ambassador has previously been criticised for purchasing a $15,000 barbecue and the amount spent on parties, butlers and alcohol at the embassy.

However, Mr Rudd’s spending in 2023 still remained below budget, with some costs covered by corporate sponsorship.

The former Australian prime minister said his spending represented a “25 per cent reduction” from the amount spent before the pandemic.