August 12, 2018 Concerns over $350,000 Local jobs, local projects allocation Documents obtained by the Liberal Opposition under Freedom of Information laws have revealed Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries staff had serious concerns about the probity of a $350,000 grant allocated through the McGowan Government’s $39 million Local Projects/Local Jobs program. Shadow Minister for Government Accountability Tjorn Sibma said the documents showed departmental staff raised a series of concerns about the provision of $350,000 to the Stephen Michael Foundation which was an election promise by three Labor candidates. “Sport and Rec staff were troubled by the pressure to provide such significant funding when critical information on strategic direction, program delivery and governance was severely lacking,” Mr Sibma said. “Despite the lack of a strategic plan, and without confirmed funding from other sources to ensure operational sustainability, the Department was directed to deliver on Labor’s election commitment. “This highlights the McGowan Government’s blatant misuse of taxpayer funds, which are being channelled through the Local Projects/Local Jobs program to guarantee election success.” The Stephen Michael Foundation, which aims to empower youth in at-risk communities, was launched by the South Fremantle Football Club in March 2017 and ran a program in Meekatharra in 2017. The $350,000 election promise came as three separate commitments from Labor candidates Tony Buti (Armadale), Barry Urban (Darling Range) and Simone McGurk (Fremantle). “The fact that the funding was to deliver programs outside of the electorates of the three members was problematic for the Department, which sought clarity around the intent of the funding,” Mr Sibma said. “All of these concerns were outlined to the Minister for Sport and Recreation as the Department sought to implement safeguards for the expenditure of significant public funds.” Mr Sibma said the lack of information provided on the processes undertaken in the implementation of the Local Projects/Local Jobs program was unacceptable. “There are serious transparency and accountability deficiencies around this program,” Mr Sibma said. “I have little doubt this one example, which highlights the need for an inquiry into the Local Projects/Local Jobs program, is just the tip of the iceberg.” Media Contact |
