Michael McCormack and secret group of ministers funded projects against department recommendations

In the weeks leading up to the start of the 2019 election, Michael McCormack announced $200 million in spending under the third round of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) for 330 projects across Australia.(ABC News: Adam Kennedy)
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and a secret group of government ministers intervened in the selection of more than a third of the projects funded from a $200m regional grant fund.
  • Michael McCormack announced $200m in funding under the third round of the Building Better Regions Fund
  • A third of the projects selected by Mr McCormack and a ministerial panel he chairs were not recommended for funding by departmental officials
  • A series of other letters reveal at least $44m in grants have been approved by ministers contrary to their department’s recommendations since 2017
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