Speaker spends $14,000 on functions

Taxpayers have forked out over $14,000 for party equipment hired by Speaker Bronwyn Bishop, according to figures revealed in Senate estimates.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Bronwyn Bishop. (AAP) Source: AAP

Speaker Bronwyn Bishop has spent over $14,000 on mobile bars and cocktail tables for functions in her Parliament House suite since taking on the role in 2013.

The figures were revealed in an answer to a Labor Senate estimates question on notice.

The Department of Parliamentary Services reported in the period from July 1, 2014, to May 31 this year it received 17 requests to provide equipment for functions held in the Speaker's suite and courtyard.

In 2013/14 there were 12 requests.

"These requests to provide equipment involve the delivery of, for example, a mobile bar, cocktail rounds, trestle tables and chairs and other minor furniture movement," the department reported.

"On average, each request is supported by DPS at an approximate cost of $488 per request, which covers delivery and pick-up of the furniture."

All functions in Parliament House were approved by the Speaker and Senate President, the department said.