Multiple government departments, including the Prime Minister’s personal department, have refused Freedom of Information requests to publicly release the RSVP list for the upcoming Pre-COP events in Fiji and Tuvalu.

The Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water have all refused Coalition requests to publicly reveal which world leaders are planning to make the trip to Fiji and Tuvalu in October for Pre-COP.

The Prime Minister’s own department, which confirmed that it had such a list, blocked the release of the key document on the basis that it may “reveal sensitive diplomatic considerations concerning participation.”

The Prime Minister personally confirmed in Parliament on 19 August 2026 that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand would attend Pre-COP in Fiji, despite Energy Minister Chris Bowen previously telling multiple media outlets that, “Australia does not announce the travel plans of other nations.”

Pre-COP will take place over 5-8 October in Fiji, with a special leaders-level event in Tuvalu planned as well.

$150 million has been set aside for the overseas climate conference, with multiple contracts awarded for event planning, broadcasting, hotels and conference centres. As Pre-COP coordinator, and as previously reported, Chris Bowen insisted world leaders be exclusively invited.

Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Dan Tehan said Australians deserve answers.

“Australian taxpayers are forking out millions to host this overseas climate conference but are being kept in the dark as to how many world leaders are actually attending,” Mr Tehan said.

“The Prime Minister has already publicly confirmed that the Prime Minister of Thailand would attend, so why can’t Australians be told who else is coming? 

“This is shaping up as yet another embarrassment for Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, who previously had his bid to host the climate conference in Adelaide rejected by other countries. 

“Australians don’t need a $150 million overseas talkfest; they just want cheaper power bills.”

In contrast to Labor’s obsession with splashing millions on a climate talkfest, the Coalition has a strong plan to deliver cheaper power for Australians by scrapping Net Zero, axing Labor’s carbon taxes and unlocking our critical resources.

ENDS

Media contact: Phil Connole M | 0417 063 605