Labor's head office guided $560m grants program

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 01:32 · Archive

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King confirmed Labor's party office decided which electorates were eligible for a $560 million grants program.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King has confirmed that Labor's party office played a role in deciding which electorates were eligible for funding from a $560 million grants program. The Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program was set up to fund promises made during the 2025 election campaign.

An analysis revealed the scheme disproportionately supported projects in government-held electorates. The program included a $6 million grant to a golf club in the prime minister's Sydney electorate. It was previously unclear who made the decision on which projects would receive funding after officials in the minister's department said they had no role in determining recipients.

Ms King described the process as 'a political process ... that is done through the party machinery, not through government machinery'. She argued any criticism needed to be part of a broader debate about how election commitments were funded, suggesting the approach was no different to what had happened previously.

Liberal frontbencher Ted O'Brien said he was not surprised to learn Labor's head office was 'calling the shots on taxpayer money'. He called for investigation but left it to others to decide whether the National Anti-Corruption Commission or another body should probe the matter.

How it is being reported

• 'Political process': Labor HQ guided $560m grant schemeA senior minister has confirmed political considerations played a part in deciding which projects got support from a major, taxpayer-funded grants scheme.Perth Now · 25 Oct, 00:55
• 'Political process': Labor HQ guided $560m grant schemeA senior minister has confirmed political considerations played a part in deciding which projects got support from a major, taxpayer-funded grants scheme.The West Australian · 25 Oct, 00:55

In this story: Catherine King · Ted O'Brien · Labor · Liberal · Sydney

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