Parliament investigates $560M Labor grants program for political bias
A parliamentary inquiry begins Wednesday to examine the $560 million grants program accused of favoring Labor seats over merit.
A Senate inquiry starts Wednesday to examine the Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program, a $560 million fund that backed Labor's 2025 election promises. The Greens launched the probe.
The Centre for Public Integrity warned the non-competitive grants round favored Labor-held seats and marginal seats. Analysis shows funding was tilted away from Coalition areas.
Constitutional lawyer Anne Twomey has called the spending grey corruption. Key evidence centers on Prime Minister Albanese's push for $6 million to fund Marrickville Golf Club in his electorate.
His stated reason was preventing sewage flooding. But this reason does not appear in the club's redevelopment plans.
The infrastructure department told the inquiry it had no role in selecting projects. Senator Steph Hodgins-May launched the probe.
She asks: who decided which projects got funded. Infrastructure Minister Catherine King and other senior Labor figures will not appear before the committee.
- $560 million
- Fund size
- $6 million
- Marrickville Golf Club allocation
- Wednesday
- Inquiry start
- Anne Twomey, constitutional lawyer
- Critic
Why it mattersIf proven, findings could reshape how federal grants are allocated. They could also trigger governance reforms across government spending.
AustraliaOutcome may determine whether future federal funding decisions are merit-based or allow ministerial discretion for partisan advantage.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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