The Bathurst MP has relocated from the State Government office block in William Street to new digs in Howick Street, next to Centrelink.

It’s a change of scenery that will cost about $45,000 a year, but according to Mr Toole it’s turned out to be a win-win situation.

He said each year the government allows five or six of its MPs to move to new premises.

“Some of the government departments in the office block where I was based needed more space,” Mr Toole said.

“My offices were way too small for the ever-increasing demands of the job and were really not suitable anymore.

“They were actually about half the size of most other offices that MPs have.

“Because of the chance of any conflict of interest in the search for new premises the task is taken out of the MP’s hands. All the negotiating is done from Macquarie Street.”

Mr Toole said the government foots the bill for his office space of about 130 square metres.

“We wanted a high profile location which had easy access and I think we found it,” he said. “There’s an interview room, administration areas, my office and room for filing and storage.

“I think it’s good value for money. Certainly, there are a lot of offices in and around the central business district that are much more expensive to rent.

“The building is a Bruce Bolam development which has included the renovation of the original property, which has been carried out with great sympathy to the streetscape.”