Beanbags were purchased for $590 each for innovationXchange, described by Bishop as a ‘gorgeous little funky, hipster, Googly, Facebooky-type place’

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

The federal government spent more than $1,700 on three beanbags as part of a creativity initiative.

The bags were purchased at a cost of $590 each for the innovationXchange initiative, the Department of Foreign Affairs revealed in an answer to Labor Senate leader Penny Wong.

“This was cheaper, more practical and adaptable than a three-seat couch, which was valued at approximately $2,300,” Dfat said.

$1.1bn innovation package aims to bridge gap between public and private Read more

Staff were also provided with a table tennis table, which can be converted into a large conference table for meetings and workshops during the day.

The opposition quizzed the department about foreign affairs minister Julie Bishop’s description of her brainchild initiative as a “gorgeous little funky, hipster, Googly, Facebooky-type place”.

“The foreign minister’s description relates to a collaborative workspace and a new way of working that encourages creativity and innovation,” it said.

The innovationXchange, launched in March, aims to develop more effective aid programs.

The government has set aside $140m over four years for the program.