Funding the 12-metre platypus, and other decisions that troubled the Howard government

The platypus statue at the Australian pavilion at Expo 2005 in Japan. Australia’s presence at the event was considered carefully by ministers, 2003 cabinet papers show. Photograph: Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images

John Howard’s ministers wrestled with many weighty policy issues in 2003, but a surprising one that troubled them was the size of Australia’s presence at a looming World Expo in Japan.

Cabinet papers released by the National Archives of Australia on Monday show ministers wanted to avoid offending the Japanese government with an excessively small presence.