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, made of solid wood, will cost $39,420 to build and is designed to make parliamentarians and staff more accessible.

The construction of the custom-designed furniture was awarded to local company Steel Road Custom Furniture.

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

The extravagant costs come as everyday Victorians continue to grapple with the cost of living crisis.

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of Parliamentary Services secretary Trish Burrows defended the cost of the table and the decision to replace the outdated parliamentary furniture.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 big for the room and it was difficult to maneuver around the table, including for the wait staff, when the room was full.’

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

The furniture will also be used to receive visiting dignitaries and other officials.

The custom-made table will be located in one of the most prominent rooms in Parliament House (pictured)

Ms Burrows explained that replacing outdated furniture was also to provide an opportunity to promote high quality products produced by local furniture designers.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 Victoria Parliament’s Register of Assets and become a heritage asset within 30 years.

Howecer, the state’s shadow parliamentary secretary for government oversight Nick McGowan, said the purchase of the table would needlessly waste taxpayers’ money.

‘I’m disgusted by what happened here. How can anyone think it’s okay to spend $40,000 of taxpayers’ money to replace a perfectly good table with an ugly designer table, while Victorians are walking the streets hungry and homeless?’ said Mr McGowan.

The controversial decision to install a custom table comes as the Victorian government introduces a 7.5 per cent tax on short-stay bookings today.

Around 50,000 properties offering short-term accommodation services will be hit by the extra cleaning and GST costs 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, conducted between September 26 and October 3, 2024, found the Coalition had a 51-to-49 lead over Labour, on a two-party preference basis.

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