Taxpayers in one state will be forced to foot the bill for an extravagant piece of furniture for politicians that costs more than a new car

Victorian taxpayers are being forced to fork out almost $40,000 for a new dining table to replace an older, ‘uncomfortable’ model in the state’s parliament house. 

The eight-seat table, to be made from solid timber, will cost $39,420 to build and has been designed to provide more accessibility for parliamentarians and staff. 

The construction of the custom-designed furniture has been awarded to local business Steel Road Custom Furniture.

Three other furniture suppliers are also understood to have contributed to the construction of the table. 

The extravagant expense comes as everyday Victorians continue to struggle during the cost of living crisis. 

The state’s Department of Parliamentary Services secretary Trish Burrows defended the cost of the table and the decision to replace the outdated parliamentary furniture.

‘The table that was previously in the room was very old and was not a dining table, it had a low apron which meant it was difficult and uncomfortable for many people to sit at,’ Ms Burrows told the Herald Sun.  

‘The table was too large for the room, and it was difficult to manoeuvre around the table, including for serving staff, if the room was at capacity.’

Ms Burrows said the new table, which will be located in one of the ‘pre-eminent rooms in Parliament House’, would be used by staff to conduct parliamentary business. 

The furniture will also be used to host visiting dignitaries and other public servants. 

The custom built table will be located in one of the pre-eminent rooms in Parliament House (pictured)

Ms Burrows explained the purpose of replacing the outdated furniture was also made to provide an opportunity to promote high quality products produced by local furniture designers.

She said the table and chairs would be included in the register of assets of the Parliament of Victoria and would become a heritage items in 30 years. 

Howecer, the state’s shadow parliamentary secretary for scrutiny of government Nick McGowan said the purchase of the table needlessly wastes taxpayer funds. 

‘I am disgusted at what has happened here – how can anyone think it is OK to spend $40,000 dollars of taxpayers’ money to replace a perfectly good table with an ugly designer table while Victorians go hungry 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 that provide short-term accommodation services will be hit with the 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 survey, which was conducted between September 26 and October 3, 2024, showed the Coalition ahead of Labor by 51 to 49 on a two party preferred basis. 

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the office of Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan for further comment.