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Abbott Offers To Pay For Smashed Table, 'Takes Responsibility' For Damage

Tony Abbott Offers To Pay For Smashed Table, 'Takes Responsibility' For Damage
Alex Ellinghausen/Fairfax Media

CANBERRA – Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has asked to be invoiced for a smashed marble coffee table damaged at his farewell drinks.

The Italian marble table, originally purchased in the 1980s for $590, was believed to have been smashed at a wild farewell party for Abbott in the Cabinet room shortly after he was dumped from the top job in favour of Malcolm Turnbull.

Photographs of the table have been presented to Senate Estimates showing it badly broken, with pieces missing.

"On the night of the leadership change I hosted drinks in the cabinet ante-room for staff and colleagues. During this event, a coffee table was damaged," Mr Abbott said in a statement

"I have asked my office to have the Department of Parliamentary Services invoice me for the value of the table.

"It was my event so I take responsibility for it."

Labor Senator Penny Wong read from a Department of Parliamentary Services email which suggested the marble table "may have been damaged by a person standing or dancing on it".

There is also a crack in the bronze metal base, but the Department of Parliamentary Services is not certain when that damaged was caused.

Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi has questioned the description of the Cabinet coup night event as a “party” and suggested the table may have had existing “structural flaws” or “natural weaknesses.”

Estimates also heard that marble remnants have since been spied as souvenirs in various, unnamed Ministerial offices.

John Ryan from the Department of Parliamentary Services explained, "We haven't got all the pieces".

Parliament was told the damage happened during the party honouring Abbott and was spotted the next day in the Cabinet ante room by Parliament House cleaners.

No official investigation has been held into the damage or the missing marble remnants, but three quotes to repair the table have been sought.

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