Girlie show 'too hot'
2006-09-08 12:37
Sydney - The Australian government has withdrawn funding for a climate change conference after organisers booked lingerie models for a raunchy dinner show.
Conservative Prime Minister John Howard on Friday described the risque entertainment as "not appropriate" and two government departments withdrew funding totalling $8 000 from the event late on Thursday.
Local media reported that a number of female scientists walked out of Wednesday night's dinner at the Australia-New Zealand Climate Forum in protest.
"I am appalled at what happened and the inappropriateness of the entertainment," Environment Minister Ian Campbell said.
The show consisted of lingerie-clad women inviting hot-under-the-collar guests to pop balloons attached to their costumes as they made suggestive remarks.
Dancer Rebecca Gale said the balloon dance was harmless "bump, grind and shimmy" that did not include any nudity.
"There was not even midriff on display," she told Australian television. "It's just been blown so far out of proportion."
Howard said he did not approve of the entertainment but did not think people should overreact.
"Probably not appropriate, but I'm not going to list it for discussion at the next meeting of the national security committee in cabinet," he told Australian radio.
The conference organiser issued an apology.
- AFP