Newly released freedom of information documents show the Allan Government allocated substantial taxpayer funds to cultural events throughout 2025, with the Premier’s Multicultural Gala Dinner accounting for $438,063 alone.
The gala’s itemised expenses included $340,110 on event production and entertainment, $50,015 on marketing and communications, and $47,937 on additional costs.
Individual line items reveal $14,400 spent on lantern decorations, $8,450 on napkins and table runners, $4,200 on foyer styling, and $900 on a PowerPoint presentation.
While the event generated $553,441 in revenue—approximately $100,000 from ticket sales with the balance from government sources—the funding structure has raised questions about how such events are financed and where surplus funds are directed.
The Premier’s Diwali State Reception in October 2025 cost $381,485, with $307,679 allocated to venue hire, more than $34,000 to production, and nearly $20,000 to entertainment. A Shrove Tuesday reception in March 2025 added another $11,407 to the annual total.
The pattern has continued into 2026, with a Lunar New Year celebration in February and an Iftar dinner in March, though full costings for these events have not yet been released.
The spending has drawn heightened attention following allegations referred to the Victorian Public Sector Commission regarding a potential breach of the VPSC Code of Conduct involving the Premier’s Private Office.
Documents confirm that several events featured speeches promoting government policy directly to attendees, intensifying debate over whether taxpayer-funded functions serve as political platforms.
While successive governments have traditionally supported multicultural celebrations, the scale and timing of the expenditure is facing closer examination as Victoria approaches a state election.
With the government now in its twelfth year, opposition parties and some voters are questioning whether current spending priorities align with community expectations during a period of economic pressure.
