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Labor Government forks out more than $70,000 on ladders, board games and Minecraft - as concerns grow over out of control spending

Labor Government forks out more than $70,000 on ladders, board games and Minecraft - as concerns grow over out of control spending Labor Government spent over $52,000 on games READ MORE: Aussie taxpayers slugged with record $250billion bill By NICHOLAS COMINO, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 12:42 GMT, 15 November 2025 | Updated: 12:42 GMT, 15 November 2025 Australian taxpayers are footing the bill for some unexpected government purchases, including war-themed board games, ladders, and even videogame-based learning programs. According to procurement records published on AusTender, the Department of Defence has spent $52,123.50 on a contract with US-based company The Dietz Foundation to supply war-themed board games. A Defence spokesperson confirmed the purchase to the Daily Mail. 'Defence has purchased approximately 650 copies of the war-game Littoral Commander: Indo-Pacific from The Dietz Foundation for use as practical training tools,' they said. 'Wargaming is an easily accessible alternative to simulation hardware that enhances tactical decision-making, threat literacy and readiness.' The games form part of a broader initiative by the Australian Defence Force's Professional Wargaming Guild, which aims to 'connect like-minded professional gamers across Defence and the national security environment'. Meanwhile, Services Australia has spent $14,234.94 on ladders since April, according to AusTender records. The tender was awarded to SSO Handling & Storage for Bailey Step Ladders, which retail elsewhere for between $219 and $1,590 depending on the model. The Department of Defence spent $52,123.50 on a contract with a US-based games company The Department of Industry, Science & Resources has also spent $13,200 on an education platform that uses the videogame Minecraft (stock image) The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has also signed a $13,200 contract with Eduelfie Pty Ltd to deliver immersive learning experiences using one of the world's most popular computer games - Minecraft. The sandbox-style game allows players to explore, build, and interact in a block-based virtual world. The department confirmed the program uses custom environments for education, despite the fact that standard subscriptions typically costs a user just $6 per month. These spending revelations come just months after a branch of the defence department faced criticism for publishing a cookery book. The Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group (GWEO) announced 'The Taste of Harmony Cookbook' in March, a collection of recipes that 'reflect the diversity of people who make up our workforce'. Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Michaelia Cash slammed the decision at the time. 'We are in uncertain global times. I would have thought that Australians want all of our military's efforts to focus on defending our nation… not to write a cookbook,' Cash said. The GWEO is a specialist division responsible for managing Australia's missile systems and explosive ordnance capabilities, ensuring the ADF's readiness through procurement and integration of advanced weapons. Services Australia has spent $14,234.94 on ladders since April (stock image) Finance Minister Katy Gallagher (pictured) has defended the government's approach to its spending, saying public service growth was driven by the removal of contractors The funding decisions also come at a time when concerns have been raised about government expenditure. Recent ABS data showed public service salaries rose 7.6 per cent in the last financial year, more than double the 3.7 per cent increase in the private sector. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher defended the government's spending following the data release, saying Labor is reducing reliance on external consultants by 'boosting the public service to ensure proper resourcing and improved service outcomes'. 'I think the public service is roughly the right size now, give or take. I think we've got the balance right,' she said. The government's crackdown on consultants is projected to save $6.4billion over four years to 2028–29. However, Commonwealth employment climbed 5.6 per cent last quarter to 385,900 workers, while wages soared 9.5 per cent to $40.9billion, a $3.6billion blowout compared to the original forecast. The Opposition has warned that national debt could hit $1 trillion by 2026 if spending continues unchecked. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley claimed taxpayers are paying $50,000 in interest every minute. Share or comment on this article: Labor Government forks out more than $70,000 on ladders, board games and Minecraft - as concerns grow over out of control spending Add comment