Watchdog probes Labor's invite-only grant scheme for political bias
NACC acting head said the watchdog's interest is 'piqued' by Labor's $560 million grants program.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating the Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program. A Senate inquiry is also looking into it.
Nearly three-quarters of grants went to seats held or contested by Labor. The Marrickville Golf Club in Albanese's electorate received a $6 million grant despite already getting almost $58,000 in five earlier federal grants.
NACC chief Kylie Kilgour said the program raised questions about its constitutionality. Constitutional experts say politically directing grants is 'grey corruption'.
The program's guidelines were republished in October 2025 after concerns the original design was unconstitutional.
- $560.9 million
- Total program value
- Nearly three-quarters
- Grants to Labor or competitive seats
- $6 million
- Marrickville Golf Club new grant
- Almost $58,000 in five earlier grants
- Marrickville Golf Club prior grants
Why it mattersIf voters can't trust public money is spent on merit rather than for political gain, it undermines confidence in how federal funding is directed.
AustraliaAustralians depend on federal grants for community projects and infrastructure, so scrutiny of this allocation process protects how tax dollars are spent.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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