Live: Minister defends $4.2m in hotel reservations for pre-COP meeting

Pacific Islands Affairs Minister Pat Conroy has defended the government's decision to allocate $4.2 million for hotel reservations for an upcoming pre-Conference of the Parties (COP) meeting in Fiji. The expenditure has drawn scrutiny, but Conroy maintains it is a necessary cost for hosting the important preparatory event.

“

Sit down!

In a separate segment, One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce experienced a memorable, albeit disruptive, moment during a live television interview on the program 7.30. As Joyce was discussing his views on Pauline Hanson's political direction and her recent meetings, his dog began barking loudly. Joyce, audibly frustrated, told the dog to "Sit down!" before apologizing to the interviewer, Sarah Ferguson.

Later in the interview, Joyce was pressed on whether he knew who funded Pauline Hanson's trip to Sicily. He denied having any knowledge of the payment source, stating, "I don't know whether that's the case. I suggested that it probably is, but I don't know, Sarah. So I haven't confirmed it." He added that he does not concern himself with Hanson's financial arrangements for her travels.

“

I don't know whether that's the case. I suggested that it probably is, but I don't know, Sarah. So I haven't confirmed it.

When questioned about Gina Rinehart's relationship with One Nation, Joyce asserted that the mining magnate receives no benefits and has never asked him for anything. Ferguson concluded the interview, humorously remarking that the dog had not been a problem, to which Joyce retorted, "It was to me."

“

It was to me.