Employees of the Federal Government’s National Broadband Network scheme – including controversial executive, Mike Kaiser - will work from “sky rise” offices in one of a handful of luxury skyscrapers defined by the Property Council of Australia to be of a “Premium” quality (or amongst the best in the country).

NBN Co has leased 3000 square metres over two levels, near the distinctive pitched peak of the Melbourne Central office building at 360 Elizabeth Street, paying a speculated rent of over $500 per square metre, per annum, gross (which means including outgoings).
]]> Most CBD office staff work in B+ grade office accommodation, which typically rents for about $350 per square metre, per annum, CBD leasing sources say.

Sydney based fund manager General Property Trust owns the Melbourne Central tower, and the lower-level shopping centre of the same name, which underwent a major refurbishment a few years ago.

Melbourne Central, like prestigious towers 101 Collins Street and 120 Collins Street, and Aurora Place in Sydney, were listed by the PCA as “Premium” grade, until a few of years ago, when the industry body stopped publicly releasing a building-by-building breakdown of quality grade. It still ranks buildings however, reporting quality grade trends such as stock and vacancy in its research.

It hasn’t been smooth sailing for the government’s $43 billion National Broadband Network initiative recently.

Earlier this week it was reported the government may have eroded the normal processes of policy making and public administration, by appointing highly regarded Labor political strategist Mike Kaiser to a $450,000-per-annum senior executive role with NBN Co. That appointment was reportedly made on the suggestion of Communications Minister Stephen Conroy, and without the role being publicly advertised.