Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee, , 9:06:42 to 9:12:16
Debate ensues over the geographic distribution of urban grants, with claims that the majority of projects are located in Labor-held electorates rather than being evenly distributed.
Topics: Grants administration, Integrity
Speakers: Hon James McGrath, Lisa Rauter, Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Senator Glenn Sterle, Unknown Speaker, Interjection
the program?
>> Uh the geographic eligibility requirements are in accordance with the Australian Bureau of Statistics um in terms of what is urban and what is regional um and that is on the forget the name of it but the greater statistical
>> the greater capital city statistical area. Yeah. >> Yeah. So it can conclude it's not just in the city or metropolitan core areas. It can include outer suburban and peri urban areas.
>> Correct.
how many applications has the department received under the program since the program was opened?
Uh, we received 154 applications
>> on notice. Can you break that down by stream one and stream two by assessment batch and successful and unsuccessful applications?
>> Uh, yes, I can tell you that batch one had 20 applications. Batch two had 64 applications and batch three had 70 applications. And what was the other question?
>> Broken down by successful and unsuccessful applications.
>> Yes. So the approved applications out of batch one was six out of those 20. Um but 17 of those were eligible. Out of the 64 from batch 2, 49 were eligible and 11 were approved. And out of batch three, 70 applications received, 60 were eligible and eight were approved. And I'd have to take the stream one, stream two on notice.
>> Thank you. >> Does the department maintain data on applications by project location?
>> Uh when we get the applications, we would know their location. Yes.
Uh has the department undertaken any analysis of applications uh or approved funding by federal electorate?
>> No, we don't look at electorate.
so your if my maths is correct which so your publish Thank you Senator Scarr. Your publish list now contains is it 25 approved >> projects? Correct. on notice, I assume, because you do have the project locations, can you identify how many of these successful projects are located in electorates currently held by Labor members?
>> We don't carry the information by electorate. We would I could tell you the state that they're in. um and
>> might come to that but yes
>> but no I can't tell you your electric
>> okay because our our our analysis of the published projects indicates that 23 of the 25 projects are in labor held electorates um two are in independent held electorates and none are in a coalition held would you be able um I'm not asking you to comment on that. But um Minister, do you think that is a fair analysis of the fact that 23 of the 25 projects are in Labour held electorates and none are in coalition
Senator McGrath, we've been very clear on the record that what we took to the election in 2025 was our commitment uh to uh particular electorates across the country. Uh we've been open and transparent about that. It's what we all do. Uh we can all look at uh what your
side of politics is a different program >> This is a completely different program.
Well, I'm just referring to what I know has been your line of questioning all day today.
>> No, this is a completely different program. I realize you weren't paying attention. Um, this is a completely different Well, I asked a serious question here and the minister has referred back. >> I'm just the the minister didn't
No, excuse me. I'm just going I read a statement this morning and um we're all very mindful that we will always treat each other with respect particularly in this committee and things are bubbling along beautifully at the moment. Senator McGrath so I know you were only joking when you said that. >> So you meant no disrespect to the minister.
>> Minister 23 please repeat your question. the urban precincts and partnership
Yes, >> please repeat your question.
>> A completely different program and I'm sure someone could pass something to you.
>> Oh, that's okay. Senator McGrath, I I was so interested in our election commitment. So, please go to your question.
>> So, our analysis of the published projects indicates that 23 of the 25 projects are in Labor held electorates, two are in independent held electorates, and none is in a coalition held Do you think that is appropriate?