Anthony Albanese has conceded that a $6m federal grant allocated to the Marrickville Golf Club within his own electorate was not actually designated for environmental sewerage works, walking back previous statements made on the floor of Parliament.
The controversy centers on a $560m invitation-only grants scheme. Transparency advocates argue the program largely funded projects promised during the 2025 election in Labor-held seats, according to the ABC.
The allocation to the inner-west Sydney club, where the prime minister holds honorary social membership, drew sharp scrutiny after infrastructure department officials testified during a Monday Senate estimates hearing.
Department Officials Clarify Grant Scope
Assistant secretary Jacinta McDonald told the Senate estimates hearing that sewerage infrastructure was never part of the funding agreement.
During question time in early September, the prime minister told the House of Representatives that the money would fund an environmental project designed to prevent raw sewage from entering the nearby Cooks River during heavy flooding. Albanese explained that the nearly 100-year-old club relies on a septic tank located on a floodplain, leading to sewage overflow.
Defending the prime minister’s initial parliamentary statements during the Senate hearings, Assistant Regional Development Minister Anthony Chisholm argued that the project’s scope shifted over time. Chisholm stated that the local council’s original proposal included water management components before the New South Wales state government stepped in to handle the sewerage work.
Albanese Admits Prior Funding Description Was Not Correct
During question time on Tuesday afternoon, the federal opposition seized on the discrepancy. Shadow energy minister Dan Tehan accused the prime minister of misleading Parliament and demanded that he formally correct the congressional record.
Responding to the accusations, Albanese acknowledged that his prior description of the funding targeting sewerage works “was not correct.” He maintained that the administration of the grant rests with the Department of Infrastructure, noting that the local council is currently finalizing design plans for clubhouse improvements, stormwater harvesting, a new restroom, and landscaping.
Albanese also pointed out that the NSW government committed in September 2025 to address the venue’s underlying water and wastewater needs. “The funding was going to be for sewerage. The New South Wales government have stepped in, which is appropriate given that New South Wales run water and sewerage,” the prime minister said.
