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Request for audit
Politicisation of taxpayer funded grant announcements (Community Sport Infrastructure grants program)
Response provided
Responded: Tuesday 30 April 2019
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The Auditor-General responded on 30 April 2019 to correspondence from Ms Cathy McGowan AO, MP dated 8 April 2019, requesting that the Auditor-General conduct an investigation to examine the politicisation of taxpayer funded grant announcements (Community Sport Infrastructure grants program).
Auditor-General's response
30 April 2019
Cathy McGowan AO
By email: cathy.mcgowan.mp@aph.gov.au
Dear Ms McGowan
I am writing in response to your letter of 8 April 2019 expressing concerns on behalf of a constituent about the recent funding announcement related to round two of the Community Sport Infrastructure Program.
A performance audit of the Award of funding under the Community Sport Infrastructure Program has commenced.
The objective of this audit is to assess whether the award of funding under the Community Sport Infrastructure Program was informed by an appropriate assessment process and sound advice. To form a conclusion against the audit objective the ANAO proposes to examine whether:
- the program was well designed;
- applications were soundly assessed in accordance with the program guidelines; and
- funding decisions were informed by clear advice consistent with program guidelines.
The report is expected to table in September 2019.
Yours sincerely
Grant Hehir
Correspondence from Ms Cathy McGowan AO, MP
Transcript of letter from Ms Cathy McGowan AO, MP
Mr Grant Hehir Auditor-General
Australian National Audit Office
GPO Box 707
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Dear Mr Hehir
Re: Politicisation of Community Sport Infrastructure Grants (Round two)
I am writing on behalf of a constituent who has written to me about this matter.
Enclosed is a copy of correspondence to my office dated 13 March which expresses concern that recent Federal funding announcements related to round two of the Community Sport Infrastructure Grants program were made by the Minister, Senator Bridget McKenzie, accompanied by an unelected Nationals candidate, Mr Mark Byatt.
The constituent is appalled Federal funding announcements had bypassed the office of the sitting Federal Member for lndi. There are further concerns the lighting redevelopment project for the Wodonga Football & Sports Club at Martin Park, which received $205,360 had become a first priority for Wodonga when it was not listed as such in the city's recreational master plan. The question is whether the selection of recipients and the management of announcements is politically motivated and timed, rather than announced on a transparent, competitive and fair process.
Could you please investigate my constituent's concerns and advise me of what action you can take? In particular can you please refer to the announcement of these grants, without due process and transparency, giving the appearance the government has used taxpayers' dollars for their own political purposes.
Yours faithfully
Cathy McGowan AO MP
Independent Federal Member for lndi
8 April 2019