Claims by Environment Minister Melissa Price that she did not accuse a respected Pacific leader of money-grabbing have been cast into doubt after it emerged her adviser later shared a taxi with the man and sought to allay concern over the remarks.

Ms Price has been accused of disrespecting former Kiribati president Anote Tong in a conversation where she accused the Pacific region of "always" seeking cash from Australia to address climate change.

The new cabinet minister is also said to have told Mr Tong, a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, that she had her "chequebook" ready.

The exchange between Environment Minister Melissa Price and former Kiribati president Anote Tong occurred in a Canberra Italian restaurant. Credit:

Ms Price has strenuously denied making the slurs at a restaurant in Canberra last Tuesday, telling Parliament she "100 per cent" disputed the allegations.