Victorian taxpayers are being forced to shell out almost $40,000 for a new dining table to replace an older and “uncomfortable” model in the state parliament.
The eight-seat table, which will be made from solid wood, will cost $39,420 and has been designed to provide greater accessibility for MPs and staff.
Construction of the custom-designed furniture was awarded to local company Steel Road Custom Furniture.
Three other furniture suppliers are also believed to have contributed to the construction of the table.
The extravagant spending comes as everyday Victorians continue to struggle during the cost of living crisis.
State Department of Parliamentary Services Secretary Trish Burrows defended the cost of the table and the decision to replace outdated parliamentary furniture.
The eight-seat table will be made of solid wood at a cost of $39,420 (stock image pictured)
“The table that was previously in the room was very old and was not a dining table – it had a low skirt, which meant that many people found it difficult and uncomfortable to sit on,” Mrs Burrows told the BBC. Herald of the sun.
“The table was too big for the room and it was difficult to maneuver around it, even for service staff, if the room was full.”
Ms Burrows said staff would use the new table, which will be located in one of the “most prominent rooms in Parliament House”, to conduct parliamentary business.
The furniture will also be used to receive visiting dignitaries and other public servants.
The custom-built table will be located in one of the most prominent rooms in Parliament House (pictured)
Ms Burrows explained that the purpose of replacing outdated furniture was also to provide an opportunity to promote high quality products produced by local furniture designers.
He said the table and chairs would be included in the Victorian Parliament property register and become heritage within 30 years.
Howecer, the state’s shadow parliamentary secretary for government scrutiny, Nick McGowan, said the purchase of the table unnecessarily wastes taxpayers’ funds.
“I am disgusted by what has happened here. How can anyone think it is okay to spend $40,000 of taxpayers’ money to replace a perfectly good table with an ugly designer table while Victorians are starving and homeless in the streets?” Mr. McGowan said.
The controversial decision to install a custom table comes as the Victorian Government’s 7.5 per cent tax on short-stay bookings comes into effect today.
Around 50,000 properties providing short-term accommodation services will be hit with additional cleaning and GST charges to start the New Year.
It also comes as the state’s Labor government continues to trail the Coalition, according to a recent RedBridge poll.
The poll, which was conducted between September 26 and October 3, 2024, showed the Coalition ahead of Labor by 51 to 49 on a two-party preference basis.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s office for further comment.