Australia's Ambassador for First Nations People is under intense scrutiny after racking up a taxpayer-funded travel bill nearing $350,000 since he was appointed.

Justin Mohamed, appointed by Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong in March 2023, receives a $400,000 annual salary for a position unique to Australia. 

Backed by ten staff and a four-year budget totalling $13.6million, the role has copped criticism since its creation.

His travel expenses have come under the spotlight as a mid-year interview has resurfaced where Mohamed revealed his desire to 'prove white Australia wrong'. 

Freedom of Information documents reveal Mohamed's international travel cost almost $100,000 between February and October this year alone. 

That included more than $40,000 in business-class fares to Japan, Switzerland and the United States.

Mohamed's most expensive trip was to Japan in August, with costs reaching $22,341 - $17,566 of that spent on flights to Osaka and Sapporo. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) explained the high airfare was because the trip began in a remote part of the Northern Territory.

Justin Mohamed, appointed by Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wongin March 2023, receives a $400,000 annual salary for a position unique to Australia (pictured, Mohamed posing with Linda Burney)

In July, Mohamed travelled to Geneva for $19,002, including $13,810 in flights. 

April's visit to New York cost $15,234, with $10,031 for airfares.

In Geneva, Mohamed attended the 18th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), which concluded with a gala celebrating the 40th anniversary of the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples.

Mohamed described the event on LinkedIn as 'an inspiring evening of reflection and celebration, featuring performing arts and music that honoured the rich diversity of Indigenous traditions'.

'I was delighted to attend the Gala Reception Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples,' he said.

Australia contributes to the UN Voluntary Fund, which helps Indigenous people participate in international forums and have a say in decisions that affect their communities.

Mohamed emphasised this commitment, noting the fund makes sure Indigenous voices are present at the highest levels.

He has visited Vanuatu five times to support a bilateral agreement, with one trip lasting just one night but costing $3,674 in airfares. The cost of his latest visit remains unknown.

Justin Mohamed (left) is paid around $400,000 a year and has a staff of ten people

Altogether, Mohamed's travel expenses over 20 months total around $250,000, with overall spending now close to $350,000.