Sloppy, and possibly corrupt. We won't know until there's an independent inquiry

By Peter Martin
Updated January 20 2018 - 8:22am, first published 8:02am
Community grants have been closely connected to marginal seats.  Photo: Virginia Star
Community grants have been closely connected to marginal seats. Photo: Virginia Star

Before the last election the Turnbull government had an unofficial budget: $20 million for each electorate in play. It could be handed out as picnic tables, fire trails, skate parks, netball courts, disabled toilets, or anything else that made it look as if the government cared about the electorate.