Storm over climate forum dancers

Rebecca Gale, one of the dancers, said she could not understand the fuss

A risque dance show at an Australian government-backed climate conference has provoked a storm of disapproval.

Models in corsets and stockings danced suggestively to 1950s hits at a dinner to round off the Australia and New Zealand Climate Forum in Canberra.

The show was stopped after a number of delegates walked out, and the government has now asked for its sponsorship money back.

The conference organiser has apologised for causing offence.

"In retrospect the choice of entertainment was inappropriate for the occasion," a statement from Australian National University said.

But Rebecca Gale, one of the dancers, said she could not understand what the fuss was about.

Her outfit for the burlesque routine left her fully covered, she said, even though part of it consisted of balloons which delegates were invited to pop.

"The most that any of the girls get down to is vintage lingerie, which is corsetry and stockings," she told local radio. "There was not even a midriff on display."

Lawmakers have lined up to condemn the choice of entertainment and both the environment and agriculture departments have asked for sponsorship money totalling $8,000 ($6,000, £3,200) to be returned.

But Prime Minister John Howard was less quick to judge.

"My reaction is well, probably not appropriate, but I'm not going to list it for discussion at the next meeting of the National Security Committee," he said.