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9 September 2025
T Kendrew
[FYI request #31982 email]
Ref: OIA 510-2025-26
Dear T Kendrew,
Official Information Act request: Costs and communications for PM’s helicopter flight
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request, received on 12 August 2025. You
requested:
Any communications to or from your office regarding the recent scenic helicopter flight and
mountaintop pavlova shared with the Australian Prime Minister, and a breakdown of the costs
associated with that activity.
Before I respond to your request it may be useful to provide some context regarding official visits.
The Visits and Ceremonial Office (VCO), part of the Department of Internal Affair
s1, works with this
office to arrange and coordinate programmes for Guests of Government visits. The VCO is
responsible for planning, administration and co-ordination of such visits. This office is involved at a
strategic level, rather than in the detailed planning or logistics of official visits.
I have been advised by the Department of Internal Affairs that the total costs for the helicopter flight
are $44,010.00 (including GST). These costs relate to the chartering of two helicopters to transport
the delegation. The amount also includes costs associated with ensuring security protocols (such as
the use of co-pilots and dual controls) were met to ensure the safety of the official party.
Regarding communications involving this office about the helicopter trip, please find attached an
email dated 7 August 2025. This is the only information identified as being in scope of your request.
Some information has been withheld under section 9(2)(a) of the Act to protect the privacy of natural
persons. As required under section 9(1) I have not identified any public interest considerations that
would outweigh the reason for withholding this information.
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision under section 28(3)
of the Act.
Yours sincerely
Cameron Burrows
Chief of Staff
1 VCO is part of Ministerial Services which is a business group within the Department of Internal Affairs.
