The Minns Labor Government’s $334 million Regional Roads Fund is being investigated by the NSW Auditor General after concerns were raised around the lack of probity relating to the chosen projects.
New details have emerged that a $50 million grant, or about one sixth of the total funding, was allocated to Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison’s own electorate of Maitland without a proper business case.
$15m was originally announced for the Thornton Road and Rail Bridge upgrade, before another $35m was included in this year’s budget.
Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Dave Layzell, said Ms Aitchison is using her flagship fund for her own political gain.
“I’ve been concerned about this Labor slush fund since it was created and the Minns Labor Government has a lot to answer for here,” Mr Layzell said.
“It never sat right with me that successful projects required no business case and had no transparency, and it’s in everyone’s best interest that it’s being investigated by the Auditor General.
“We can’t allow the Minister in charge of this fund to get away with funnelling the money for her own political purposes at the expense of the rest of the state.”
There are also questions around whether the Minister declared any conflicts of interest, given the project is located close to her primary residence.
“If the Minister has made the investment decision on these projects in order to boost her own political prospects then that is highway robbery at its finest,” Mr Layzell said.
“She also made the announcement alongside the Premier, so we need to know whether he knew about any potential conflicts, and if so, why he let the project go ahead.”
“The people of regional NSW deserve to know what has happened here and I look forward to hearing the outcome of the Auditor General’s investigation.”
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that none of the 30 projects allocated funding, including the upgrade in Ms Aitchison’s electorate, were subject to a business case assessment ahead of the 2023 State Election.
