PM-elect chooses budget flat over The Lodge

[icyfroth]

In the meantime, while the ALP continue their infighting:

Prime minister-elect Tony Abbott to will live with junior Australian Federal Police recruits in a $120-a-night Canberra flat rather than move into The Lodge.

The move is necessary due to Canberra’s 1927-built prime ministerial residence currently being re-wired and eradicated of asbestos and a possum infestation, the Sunday Telegraph reports

.

The incoming PM reportedly rejected an offer of a $3,000-a-week upmarket rental and opted to flat with the AFP recruits.

An emphasis on 24-hour security is believed to be behind the budget accommodation decision.

But Mr Abbott will be entertaining dignitaries at his parliamentary offices rather than taking them to his kitchenette-equipped pad.

The multi-million dollar renovations to The Lodge, which were signed off by former PM Julia Gillard two years ago, could last for up to a year.

In Sydney, the Abbott family are expected to soon move into the PM’s Sydney residence, Kirribilli House.

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[not_an_eloi]

Outgoing deputy prime minister and Labor leadership contender Anthony Albanese said Mr Abbott would not the first prime minister to stay at the AFP college.

"Julia Gillard when she was prime minister stayed in exactly the same AFP quarters that I'm sure Tony Abbott will be staying in, so there's nothing that new about that and I think it's a pity the article didn't pick that up," Mr Albanese told Sky News on Sunday.

[*elizabeths-mum*]

Re The Lodge and Kirribilli House, at change of governments (when they aren't being renovated) when would a PM in residence start packing? Before knowing whether he/she is going to have their 'lease' renewed or is there a team waiting to get them out in days?

It seems a nightmare, especially with a family.

[spotweldersfriend]

I suspect Chrissie Pyne will make several visits while Tone's holed up there. 🙂

[crystal-gems]

Not such an amazing guy Spotwelder.

Julia Gillard did the same thing but didn't seek publicity or have colleagues boasting about it.

[***super_nova***]

I am sure she stayed there all that time between ousting Rudd and sometime after she was sworn as a PM. 

[spotweldersfriend]

OK maybe not as amazing as Campbell Newman .

[polksaladallie]

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@spotweldersfriend wrote:
I suspect Chrissie Pyne will make several visits while Tone's holed up there. 🙂

---

Naughty Spot.

[polksaladallie]

This is where Hockey sleeps when in Canberra.

http://www.abc.net.au/insiders/content/2012/s3610289.htm

[azureline**]

what it says is......it is trying to tell us Mr Abbott is such a good bloke!

[purplecarrot-top]

They are the ones who tell where they sleep. It is the taxpayer who pays for their accommodation . So I guess we do have an interest.