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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Ray Athwal

Taxpayers footed bill for digital agency's ritzy $14k waterfront dinner

Chris Fechner Claire Chandler Australia DTA Katy Gallagher

The federal government's digital agency spent more than $14,000 on a single dinner at a Sydney high-end restaurant for overseas delegates, more than $240 a head.

Liberal senator Claire Chandler questioned Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) chief executive Chris Fechner over a formal welcome dinner for delegates to an e-Leaders conference, held at Quay Restaurant in The Rocks in November last year.

Mr Fechner told the finance and public administration legislation committee the official hospitality associated with the conference totalled $18,317, covering the dinner and other smaller activities for delegates from 22 countries.

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