Pollies' offices to cost further $3m

WA Premier Colin Barnett. Source: News Limited

TAXPAYERS are having to shell out an extra $3 million to refurbish offices for Barnett Government ministers, just 18 months after the same building underwent a $56 million facelift.

Dumas House in West Perth will undergo more work to accommodate two more ministers - Ken Baston and Bill Marmion. Other ministers are based there.

A spokeswoman for Premier Colin Barnett said the $3 million was money well spent and would be recouped in three years.

But the Opposition has described the expenditure as "outrageous", so soon after expensive refurbishments.

The $3 million, to be spent in 2014-15, was cited in the Government's recently released midyear financial projections statement.

Mr Barnett's spokeswoman said: "Two leases for offices currently occupied by ministers Baston and Marmion in London House and Allendale Square will expire in 2014, and will not be renewed.

"These two leases currently cost almost $1 million per year.

"The cost of fitout for the relocation of ministers at Dumas House will amount to approximately $3 million, meaning that the cost of this will be recouped in rent savings in just over three years.''

Government ministers previously in offices in St Georges Terrace were transferred to Dumas House in 2012.

Mr Barnett had the option of also moving to Dumas House, but instead built new offices for himself and his staff near Parliament House, at a further cost of $26 million.

Shadow treasurer Ben Wyatt said it was another example of extravagance and wrong priorities when the Government was taking the axe to projects such as light rail to bring debt under control.

"Colin Barnett always prioritises spending on himself and expects West Australians to cop cuts to frontline services to pay for it,'' he said.

Figures released in state parliament earlier this month showed that since November last year, security services for the Premier's offices at Hale House have cost taxpayers $555,023.

When utilities and gardening services are added, the bill rises to $720,660.

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