Locals on the bushfire-ravaged NSW South Coast hope a potential royal visit by Prince William and his wife, Catherine, will help the region rebuild.
But as with previous royal tours to Australia, taxpayers are likely to foot the bill for the high-profile guests. The figures were released under Freedom of Information laws but did not include the cost of security or GST. The Queen's 2011 visit to Australia reportedly cost taxpayers $1.74 million, but that bill also included the charter of a plane for long-haul travel.
“The Royals seem to be engaging in dark tourism,” Australian Republic Movement National Director Sandy Biar told SBS News.
Take them to Cobargo
Why taxpayers money go for luxury holiday of 2 celebrities from UK, who are coming from palaces to visit poor people in ashes for nothing but some royal photos.These people effected by bushfire needed their PM to visit them months ago and not allow this shit.while he was in Havai
Why don't the Cambridge's offer to donate the travel money the Australian Government will spend on their accommodation, protection and fancy parties to the town's affected by fires?
Just a diversion from illegal and corrupt government.
Waste of space
Every royal tour is about one thing: royal self promotion.
Can we decline!
When will Australia get rid of the royal family?
Local economy? They won’t spend a penny...
Classy move. That's how you keep Australia a constitutional monarchy.
Gimme a break, do yourself a favour and stop reporting on them, Y A W N
Can they please not come? Just send a donation.
The whole royal family is unnecessary
How about they stay where they are and the millions of dollars it costs to ship them around the country is given to those in need. Clearly with their little waves they aren't really here to do a lot and we don't really care to much about the queen these days
nippie_sweety how exactly will it boost economies?
They're all parasites. Give em an oscar.
What for? Don’t spend any time, energy and money on the visit.
Finally something to distract attention from Harry & Megan & of course incognito Uncle Andy 🤭
If my house burnt down & the Royals turned up to offer commiserations, I would appreciate it. Despite your hopes & dreams SBS, we are still part of the Commonwealth.
Who cares.
Just how much money are these two going to spend to be the 'injection' that fixes the economy of entire towns that have burned down?
Those who are history-literats know that, (some of us) are related since the Greek-German-British axis, e.g. the “Battenbergs” turned into : (wait for it) ’Mount Battens” , 🧐, signed the Baronet Von.......
Bullshit. Hope old in the Fire Truck gives them the same send off he gave to the last dark tourist, morrison.
WHAT A LOAD OF ROYAL CROC CRAP
By 'Critics' you mean .
Members of the royal family are gonna lift our morale... oh please.