Backbencher John Tucker’s $85k office refit ‘extravagant’ Labor says

An MP is under fire for the cost of his office fit out — but the government says there are very good reasons why it is costing so much.

John Tucker MP. Picture Chris Kidd

A government backbencher’s $85,000 office fit out was an unaffordable extravagance — particularly when many Tasmanias were struggling with the rising cost of living, Labor says.

The state government tenders website reveals member for Lyons John Tucker is spending $84,200 on “minor works” at his Sorell electorate office.

Labor’s Jen Butler says it was a lot of money.

“I think Tasmanians would be scratching their heads as to why the Liberal Government’s priority is spending unprecedented amounts of money on Liberal Party offices rather than addressing the real challenges in our community,” she said.

“We have a health crisis, a housing crisis and a cost of living crisis, yet the Liberals continue to waste money on things that aren’t a priority.

Jen Butler MP at Parliament. Picture: Chris Kidd

“Coming on the back of the Liberals’ dodgy grants scandal, it’s also concerning they appear to have completely ignored the guidelines set out in the Members’ Handbook.”

The handbook states: “Each new Member of Parliament may be entitled to up to $15,000 to establish anew electorate office or as determined by the Premier’s Office Chief of Staff.”

A government spokesman said Mr Tucker was moving into new premises which required a lot of work.

“The lease on Mr Tucker’s old electorate office expired several months ago, meaning Mr Tucker has been without an electorate office for several months,” he said.

“An alternative site was recently located, and the Department has now formalised a lease at the new location and conducted a competitive quotation process to undertake a minimal fit-out to ensure it is fit-for-purpose.

“This includes an internal secure workspace required by all MPs, as well as a community meeting space that will be able to be used by community groups and organisations across southern Lyons.”

The rising cost of work cut to the state’s building boom and supply chain issues was partly to blame, the spokesman said.

“The Department has also advised that there has been significant increases in the costs of “constructions across Tasmania in the last 12 months, reflecting the current market conditions.

It’s important to note that all MPs, regardless of their political colours, will be afforded the same type of electorate office if their lease expires and they are required to find alternative premises.”