$40,000 for Sun Glasses, page-19

Why didn't you quote more detail instead of mere sensationalising?

Such as (i) the 'extreme climate' was Antarctica where the sunlight is many times brighter and stronger than in Oz and (ii) the relevant Department has 300 employees, admittedly not all of whom would be in Antarctica at the same time.
Supposing say 50% - ie 150 - might serve in Antarctica from time to time then an average of <$270 for a pair of top-grade sunglasses to protect one's eyesight seems to me to be reasonable precaution to take.