Australian officials deny role in $560 million election grant selection

The Australian government's $560 million Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program is facing scrutiny following revelations that the responsible infrastructure department played no role in selecting grant recipients. In a submission to a Senate probe, the department stated it was not involved in identifying, selecting, or recommending projects, nor did it determine funding values for the invite-only round.

Critics and good-governance groups have raised concerns that the funds, which were promised during the 2025 election, were disproportionately allocated to Labor-held electorates and marginal seats. A notable point of contention is a $6 million upgrade for the Marrickville Golf Club, located within Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's electorate.

Catherine Williams, executive director of the Centre for Public Integrity, noted that the government must now explain the selection process to address ongoing integrity questions regarding the allocation of public funds. The funding round is scheduled to undergo examination during a two-day Senate hearing.