AS households grapple with the true cost of the carbon tax, the government’s environment cop is splashing out $4.4 million to spruce up its offices.
The Clean Energy Regulator – set up to enforce the carbon tax – is overhauling its Canberra digs, even though the building is currently being used by staff from the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.
A contract tender for the overhaul of the building, which already has a 4 1/2-star energy rating out of a possible five, was issued late last week, just days before the tax was due to begin.
Opposition government waste spokesman Jamie Briggs said the expense was not justified when families were being told prices would go up.
“How can the Gillard government justify whacking Australians with the world’s biggest carbon tax and at the same time waste over $4 million refurbishing plush government offices?” Mr Briggs said.
The regulator said the works were being done to ensure the building met the agency’s needs.
