Australia Coalition accuses Labor of misusing multicultural grants

The Australian Coalition has accused the Labor government of misusing the $171 million Supporting Multicultural Communities program. Opposition spokesman Ben Small alleged that approximately 85 percent of the funds flowed to Labor-held seats, claiming the government is using taxpayer money to fund "ghettoisation" rather than national unity.

Significant recipients noted include the Jewish Arts Quarter in Melbourne, which received $19.8 million, and the Islamic UMA Centre, which received $11 million. The controversy arrives as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke prepare to introduce a migration overhaul. The proposed measures aim to reduce net overseas migration to a forecasted 225,000 per year and include stricter rules for working holidaymakers, family reunion visas, and visa overstayers.