Labor seats get more than 90% of funding distributed under controversial multi-million dollar grants program
News Source
β’Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:00:24 GMT
π° What Happened
Guardian Australia looked at where money from a $568m community grants program has gone. Federal Labor seats have received 92% of the funding approved so far. The scheme is only five months into its rollout.
The money comes from the Major and Local Community Infrastructure program. Councils were invited to apply late last year, and $248m of projects have been approved since March. Victoria and New South Wales got the most, sharing $189.7m.
The single biggest grant was $25m for a new aquatic centre in Bacchus Marsh. That area covers the federal seat of Hawke and the state seat of Eureka. Both are held by Labor, and Eureka is under threat from One Nation.
π The Backstory
A report by the Centre for Public Integrity last week said the scheme favoured Labor electorates. It pointed to a $6m grant for a golf club in Anthony Albanese's own seat.
The Senate will hold an inquiry into the scheme over the next two months. The Greens proposed it, with support from the Coalition and crossbench members. Labor voted against the inquiry on Monday.
The government says the program is βsoundβ and that the infrastructure minister made the final calls. Minister Catherine King said the guidelines were followed.
π― Why It Matters
Public money is meant to go where the need is greatest. If grants mostly land in one party's seats, voters cannot tell whether their own area was judged fairly.
Guardian Australia looked at where money from a $568m community grants program has gone. Federal Labor seats have received 92% of the funding approved so far. The scheme is only five months into its rollout.
The money comes from the Major and Local Community Infrastructure program. Councils were invited to apply late last year, and $248m of projects have been approved since March. Victoria and New South Wales got the most, sharing $189.7m.
The single biggest grant was $25m for a new aquatic centre in Bacchus Marsh. That area covers the federal seat of Hawke and the state seat of Eureka. Both are held by Labor, and Eureka is under threat from One Nation.
A report by the Centre for Public Integrity last week said the scheme favoured Labor electorates. It pointed to a $6m grant for a golf club in Anthony Albanese's own seat.
The Senate will hold an inquiry into the scheme over the next two months. The Greens proposed it, with support from the Coalition and crossbench members. Labor voted against the inquiry on Monday.
The government says the program is βsoundβ and that the infrastructure minister made the final calls. Minister Catherine King said the guidelines were followed.
Public money is meant to go where the need is greatest. If grants mostly land in one party's seats, voters cannot tell whether their own area was judged fairly.