Labor-held seats pocket 92% of funds from $568m federal grants scheme
Almost $248 million approved since March went to communities in Labor-held federal seats.
A federal community grants scheme worth $568 million has heavily favoured Labor electorates. 92% of approved money went to projects in Labor-held seats.
Since March, the Major and Local Community Infrastructure program handed out $248 million. The Centre for Public Integrity flagged this pattern last week.
Guardian Australia's analysis shows the pattern is even stronger when looking at actual spending. Victoria received the most, with $99 million approved so far.
This includes nearly $7 million for projects in the marginal Labor seat of Bendigo West. The single largest grant was $25 million for a new aquatic centre.
This centre is in the joint Labor seats of Hawke and Eureka. A Senate inquiry into how the scheme picks winners is now underway.
Independent MP Helen Haines said election timing should not drive where public money goes.
- $568 million
- Total scheme value
- $248 million
- Approved so far
- 92 percent
- Percentage to Labor seats
Why it mattersPublic infrastructure funding should follow need and merit, not political targeting. A Senate inquiry suggests possible misconduct.
AustraliaAustralian communities are receiving federal infrastructure money in a pattern critics say is driven by electoral advantage rather than genuine local need or demonstrated merit.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 8 d ago
