Analysis Finds 73.2% of $559.2 Million Grants Went to Labor-Held Divisions

The Centre for Public Integrity says 73.2% of $559.2 million across 226 active applications in Australia’s invitation-only Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program went to Labor-held divisions. Its analysis used departmental documents dated 14 November 2025 and found 45 divisions received nothing. Marginal divisions where Labor was competitive received $66.5 million more than a proportional allocation, while marginal noncompetitive and safer non-Labor divisions received $116.6 million less. The Centre said household income and community connectedness did not explain the pattern and called for enforceable merit, transparency and accountability standards.