Western Australian government slammed over $80k refurbishment of parliament 'bar'

The Western Australian opposition says the spending of $80,000 to refurbish the Parliament House Strangers Lounge is an abuse of taxpayer funds.

The expenditure, which comes out of funds allocated in the budget to be spent on parliament, will go towards work on the doors, ceiling and a gazebo.

Opposition treasury spokesman Ben Wyatt told reporters today that in an economic environment where people were losing their jobs and the state had massive debt, it was a "shocking look" to spend money on a "bar" and showed the state government was out of touch with the public.

"What's next? We're going to have a cigar bar up here at Parliament House, sitting around drinking brandy? This is an abuse of taxpayer funds."

But Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Michael Sutherland said the work would ensure a better use of the facilities.

Mr Sutherland said if several functions were held in the area, it would usually cost about $30,000 a year, including erecting tents in the courtyard, so spending $80,000 to improve the space was actually a cost-effective solution.

"This will pay for itself in a few years," he said.

Mr Wyatt hit back, saying: "If you're starting to spend too much money on functions, Mr Sutherland, stop having them."