Antinuclear

Defence Minister Richard Marles opened $600k second office in Geelong, a short walk from his existing space

ABC News, by political reporter Courtney Gould 29 Aug 24

In short:

Defence Minister Richard Marles requested permission to establish a second office in his hometown of Geelong. 

He is the only minister within the Albanese government to have a standalone ministerial office, besides his electorate office. It came at a cost to the taxpayer of more than $600,000.

What’s next?

A spokesperson said the spend was within the rules and guidelines set by the Finance Department.

A brand new headquarters for Defence Minister Richard Marles was established just 240 metres from his existing office at a cost to the taxpayer of over $600,000.

The costly office build, located on Geelong’s waterfront, was revealed in a freedom of information request by the ABC.

The offices are within walking distance of each other in the Geelong city centre.

Mr Marles made his request for the additional office space 13 days after Labor won the federal election in 2022. He is the sole minister to have had a standalone ministerial office approved.

“As the newly elected deputy prime minister, I am advised that I am entitled to additional office space,” he wrote in a letter dated June 3, 2022.

The original plan was to establish a new standalone office for his duties as the deputy prime minister and keep his existing Geelong headquarters open to constituents……………………………

The Department of Finance shelled out $658,053 to fit out and furnish the new office and paid $6,297 for repairs, removing and installing new signage, and new office furniture for the refurbished building.

An additional cost to fit out his now ministerial office to meet “security requirements” was paid by the Department of Defence. Defence Media did not respond to requests for comment about the cost of the upgrades

Marles the only minister to have standalone office

Under current arrangements, a minister can be provided with an additional office space to go about their ministerial responsibilities.

It is “usually” located within the Commonwealth Parliament Office (CPO), an option 19 ministers have elected to take………………….https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-29/richard-marles-second-office-geelong/104280748

August 30, 2024 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized