The Emperor has spent over $26 million to refurbish a heritage listed building as his private office while his Government cuts public services and imposes austerity measures and huge increases in gas, eletricity and water charges on ordinary West Australians.
This report is from Perth Now.
WESTERN Australian Premier Colin Barnett was not amused by the gift of a train shaped cake from union officials to welcome him to his refurbished $26 million offices in Perth.
Mr Barnett moved into the renovated Hale House this week, after an extensive upgrade which earned the new office the nickname the "Premier's Palace".
Unions WA said the cake was a symbol of the skewed priorities of the Barnett government, which it says could have spent the money on new train carriages, or other public amenities.
"Instead of investing in big monuments to himself, the premier has an opportunity to put money into things more valuable to working West Australians," said Meredith Hammat, acting secretary of Unions WA.
"Make sure we have decent support services, and proper public transport so working Western Australians can go about their business in a fair way.
"This cake is a symbol of how the government should be investing in quality public services, things that really matter."
On delivery of the cake by Ms Hammat, a government official turned away both the gift and the union representative, saying he had been instructed not to allow entry to either.
Hale House is a heritage-listed former school boarding house which had fallen into disrepair.
The school's former dining room has become the new reception area, with the premier to conduct his business out of the headmaster's old bedroom and sitting room.
The renovation also features crystal light fittings, a $120,000 artwork and a cabinet room table and chair setting believed to be worth $50,000.
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