McKenzie Calls for Audit of Infrastructure Grants

Nationals senator wants the Auditor-General to urgently investigate a half-billion-dollar Labor infrastructure grants scheme.

Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Corruption

McKenzie Calls for Audit of Infrastructure Grants

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Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie has called for the Auditor-General to urgently investigate the Major and Local Community Infrastructure programme, which distributed more than half a billion dollars in taxpayer funding. The call follows evidence at a Senate inquiry about a $6 million grant to the Marrickville Golf Club and the honorary membership held by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Why it matters

The controversy centres on how Commonwealth infrastructure money was allocated and on the handling of a grant linked to the Prime Minister. Senator McKenzie argues it reflects a deeper problem with accountability for the Prime Minister's handling of the grant, a claim the government has not been shown to have accepted.

Senator McKenzie has asked the Auditor-General to investigate the programme before the next federal election, and the Senate inquiry is still examining the grants. Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet officials have told the senator that any breach of the ministerial code is a matter for the Prime Minister.

The players

Bridget McKenzie

Nationals senator who resigned from Scott Morrison's cabinet after failing to disclose a $35,980 sports grant to a gun club of which she was a member.

Anthony Albanese

Prime Minister of Australia and Labor leader, who holds an honorary membership of the Marrickville Golf Club.

Marrickville Golf Club

Sydney golf club that received a $6 million Commonwealth grant under the infrastructure programme.

The details

Marrickville Golf Club officials confirmed at a Senate inquiry hearing on Thursday that the honorary membership held by Anthony Albanese carries the same rights as a full golfing membership worth $1,100 a year. The $6 million Commonwealth grant funded a broader redevelopment including clubhouse renovations, outdoor areas and stormwater upgrades, while sewerage repairs were not part of the Commonwealth project and are being addressed through separate NSW Government funding.

Thursday, week of 15 November 2026: Senate inquiry hearing with Marrickville Golf Club officials.
Before the next federal election: Requested completion of the Auditor-General investigation.

Legal Context

The Major and Local Community Infrastructure programme is now under Senate inquiry, following earlier scrutiny of Senator McKenzie's own undisclosed sports grant that led to her cabinet resignation. The current dispute tests how federal grant decisions are reviewed when they touch on ministers or the Prime Minister.

Taxpayers funding local infrastructure through the programme have a direct stake in how grants are awarded and audited. Clubs and community groups applying for future Commonwealth funding may face closer scrutiny of their governance and membership arrangements.

The takeaway

Public grants are easier to trust when the rules on who benefits, and any personal connections to decision-makers, are disclosed and independently checked. Watching how the Auditor-General responds offers a clear test of that process.

What happens next

The Auditor-General investigation requested by Senator McKenzie is expected before the next federal election, and the Senate inquiry continues to examine the programme.