Labor Party HQ guided $560m grant scheme, Minister confirms

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King has confirmed that the Labor Party head office played a role in determining which electorates were eligible for funding under the $560 million Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program. Describing the selection as a ‘political process’ rather than a government one, King stated that the scheme is designed to deliver on election commitments made during the 2025 campaign.

The invite-only program has faced scrutiny from integrity experts following reports that approximately 73 per cent of funds for 220 projects were directed toward Labor-held electorates. One notable recipient included a $6 million grant to a golf club located within the Prime Minister’s Sydney electorate.

Opposition figures, including Liberal frontbencher Ted O’Brien, have criticized the arrangement, suggesting that the party office is ‘calling the shots on taxpayer money’ and calling for a potential investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission.