An anti-corruption body will conduct a cursory investigation into how South Australian grant monies are allocated and if they may have unintentionally favoured seats controlled by the Labor Party.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of the state has informed the state Labor government that it will begin its “assessment” of the scheme.
It comes after a 2022 investigation that, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, showed that $84 million was given to seats held by Labor only a few weeks after they were elected (ABC).
Ann Vanstone K.C., Commissioner of ICAC, stated in a statement released on January 25 that the examination will look at the procedures and guidelines intended to prevent corruption.
According to Vanstone, “this duty is frequently carried out in public administration, with programmes varied greatly in their objectives, budgets, and recipients.”
“The administration of grants is a task that is susceptible to corruption.
“It entails the allocation of substantial quantities of public funds to encourage industry and innovation, offer crisis relief, fund initiatives, and improve communities.
“Grants programmes can be abused by the public officials administering them and by grant beneficiaries” without strong procedures and oversight.
Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas responded by stating he was unconcerned by the watchdog’s revelation since ICAC was “just performing an examination” of various rules and processes.
They’ve done this several times over the years, including for Safe Work, so we believe that’s a good thing, Malinauskas said.
According to The Advertiser, a government official stated that “the state administration welcomes the assessment.”
He stated, “This is the ninth such examination carried out by ICAC.
“We will carefully evaluate any ideas that aim to enhance government agency practises, rules, and processes.”
Around 69 of the 72 sporting grants awarded in 2022, according to an ABC research, were given to seats Labor held or won in the SA state election on March 19.
They’ve done this several times over the years, including for Safe Work, so we believe that’s a good thing, Malinauskas said.
According to The Advertiser, a government official stated that “the state administration welcomes the assessment.”
He stated, “This is the ninth such examination carried out by ICAC.
“We will carefully evaluate any ideas that aim to enhance government agency practises, rules, and processes.”
69 of the 72 sporting grants awarded in 2022, according to an ABC research, were given to seats Labor held or won in the SA state election on March 19.
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