N02me520 Parliament House will be open for tours as part of Melbourne Open House this month . Leader takes a tour Picture: Matt Murphy Source: Leader
COMPLAINTS of rats in the basement of Victoria's Parliament House have prompted fears the historic building is infested.
The rodents are causing havoc in the lower offices at Spring St - mainly used by Opposition MPs - where they have been seen scurrying and leaving droppings.
Rats have chewed through heat bags, which are used by Hansard staff to relieve aches.
Upset after three rats were found in her office, Labor MP Jill Hennessy yesterday told the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee the problem was serious.
"Most of the rats are found in the lower level where the Opposition and Hansard staff are located," Ms Hennessy said.
"Many MPs have discovered them in their offices and there is also an awful smell."
Ms Hennessy urged the Government to fix the problem before spruiking the historic building as a function centre.
"They are not running through the chamber yet but if they can find a way to get up the stairs, we'll be in real trouble," she said.
Upper House president Bruce Atkinson said: "It hasn't been a problem until relatively recently, and has really been caused by two factors - the drought and the stone works on the front steps."
Mr Atkinson said the rats were drawn to the basement by MPs leaving food in their offices.
Exterminators have been called.
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