According to Treasury estimates, the cost of Australia's new embassy to the Holy See will come to $11.5 million over four years, or nearly $3 million per year. The cost includes $372,000 a year to rent a flat and office space in Rome for the new ambassador to the Vatican, former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer, The Courier-Mail reports.
Another $3 million, or $12,000 a square metre, is being spent to convert an apartment to become the new office for the ambassador adjacent to the Vatican.
Rent for each property will cost taxpayers about $14,000 a month plus about $1,500 a month each for service charges.
About $1.5 million will fund Mr Fischer's salary, allowances and upkeep of his official residence.
Australia has no trade relations and minimal political links with the Holy See, so Mr Fischer's job is focused on cultivating links with the 79 countries accredited to the Vatican.
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Source (CTHN)
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