I have always thought that this new PM would do things differently in Canberra, but I believe his decision to live at the Police Academy while in Canberra is completely strange!

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/tony-abbott-abandons-possuminfested-lodge-in-canberra-to-live-with-afp-recruits-until-renovations-are-complete/story-fni0cx12-1226719229780

How embarrassing for Australia that the best place we could come up with for a Prime Ministerial residence while the Lodge is renovated for up to a year, is a Police Barracks?

What fun for the First Lady, and the First Hot Daughters, to come to Canberra to stay with the PM and hang out with the police recruits.
All the news articles and TV news shows on this subject this morning are barely restraining themselves, and laughing at the decision.

Imagine what international dignitaries will say when they hear about this residence for our PM? They will be appalled!
Surely Australia can do better than this for our Prime Minister?

I can see the Liberal supporters nodding their heads religiously as they praise their thrifty leader for saving money and resisting more appropriate, but more expensive digs, while Abbott is running the country in Canberra.

I am embarrassed by this decision.
What does everyone else feel?

' I am embarrassed by this decision.
What does everyone else feel? '

I am alot more embarassed by having such an incompetent Government for the last 6 years. The left always have misplaced shame.

Dear Suse,

According to newspaper reports one of the major problems
in finding suitable accommodation for the Prime Minister
was security, therefore hotels were not a considered
option. The PM cannot move into the possum-infested Lodge
in Canberra until renovations are completed. Dodgy wiring
has to be replaced, asbestos removed and the roof has to
be replaced on the 1927 property. Plus possum urine was
causing problems. Former PM Julia Gillard okayed the
renovations as a necessity - a few years back.

The up-side of sharing accommodation with AFP recruits are
many, The place is close to Parliament, around the clock
security will be provided, the facility is not shabby -
it has king-size beds, on-suites,
private kitchens, an impressive gym,
which a fitness fanatic like the PM can appreciate, plus
there's lounge areas, dining-rooms, billard-rooms, and so on
and it doesn't cost $3,000 a night (more like $120).

And, if there's a need for the PM to entertain foreign
visitors - the PM's offices in Parliament can be used.
Also when his wife and/or daughters visit - I'm sure that
alternative accommodation will be found for them.

This is only a temporary arrangement afterall - therefore
I wouldn't make a big fuss over it. Mr Abbott has always
admired Ben Chifly (one of Labor's greats) and Mr Chifly
preferred to stay at the Kurrajong Hotel while in Canberra.
The Kurrajong was owned by the Party.

Yep Suse, as Foxy says, it is only while they evict the possums, & it is only somewhere to sleep. I'm sure he will spend most of his time in parliament house, with more facilities than any tourist resort in Oz.

Besides he will need the security. Such a handsome bloke will need someone protecting him from the ladies.

Dear Hasbeen,

You mean his brain is not his greatest asset?
;-)

Lol Hasbeen, yes I would imagine he needs to be surrounded by police recruits to keep the women away!

Foxy, I read about the security problems too, but surely something more appropriate could be found for the PM?

I read where it may take 12 months for the Lodge renovations, so he could be residing at the 'Academy' for some time yet.

The police academy has an impressive gym on the premises.
Maybe that is the main reason the 'action man' is staying there?