Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has defended the financing of the recent Pre-COP31 summit held in Fiji and Tuvalu, stating that the event was fully funded using funds originally allocated by the previous Coalition government. Bowen criticized the opposition for what he described as a disregard for the Pacific region’s climate concerns.

Bowen told reporters that the costs of the summit were covered by reallocating money from a Coalition-era program designed to enhance international cooperation on low emissions technology. Specifically, he pointed to the $500 million Strategic International Partnership Investment Stream program, which he characterized as an unsuccessful initiative spearheaded by Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.

The minister also addressed questions regarding the use of diesel generators at the summit, which came to light after images surfaced showing numerous portable generators outside the event venue in Fiji. Bowen did not confirm whether Australia had supplied the generators but emphasized the government’s commitment to collaborating with Pacific nations to transition away from fossil fuel energy sources, describing such efforts as vital to regional security.

Budget documents reveal that $147 million has been allocated over three years starting in 2025-26 to strengthen Australia’s partnerships in the Pacific in the context of its involvement with the COP process. The Australian government stated that funding for Pre-COP31 was met through a reprioritization of this stream alongside existing resources within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Bowen dismissed the opposition’s criticism as politically motivated, warning that their approach could undermine Australia’s national security interests by alienating Pacific neighbors seeking tangible climate action. The government maintains that engagement with Pacific nations on climate policy remains a strategic priority amid increasing global climate challenges.