Explaining the waiver, which saved the ARM $5020.40, FitzSimons said he had had "a VERY KIND understanding with Ken". Which panned out, with approval from the vice-chancellor's office. The reason given on the form, which asks for demonstrations of "financial strain", is that the event is "high profile" and that the Prime Minister will be attending "along with other VIP guests".

One can't help feel for the bureaucrats at the university who tried to justify the fee waiver while not offending anyone higher up.

"The organisers have requested a venue fee waiver," wrote one. "The question to approve is not clear cut ... I didn't want to ruffle feathers." To which another responded that "the main thing is that we are acting consistently with what has been done in the past – is that a true statement do you think?"

It was not. "All fee waivers approved in the last two years have direct connections with a faculty or university group and usually entail an important conversation that the university has to have. I suggest we go back to FitzSimons and explain this, as it's also for his protection, in the event questions get asked about the booking."

Peter FitzSimons' ''understanding'' with the University of Sydney left lower-level bureaucrats struggling to justify a fee waiver. Jonathan Ng

Such foresight! The same organiser suggested the ARM be charged a cheaper rate to "satisfy all parties and keep the university in a neutral position".

But the final call, three days before the event was due to take place, was an urging not to worry too much, as "they are covering the costs of the exercise, which is the most important thing".

The ARM paid for security and other things the university had to hire for them. An ARM spokesperson told us that "the Prime Minister was marvellous and his speech is remembered fondly by all who were present".