Officials contradict PM's explanation for A$6 million golf club grant

Infrastructure Department officials have told Senate estimates that sewerage repairs are not included in a A$6 million grant promised to Marrickville Golf Club, contradicting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's explanation of the funding.

Labor MPs defeated a Coalition bid on 27 October to require Albanese to explain his comments to the House of Representatives. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie accused him of misleading parliament and called for a correction.

Albanese had told the House that the money was intended to address septic problems that allowed raw sewage to enter the Cooks River during flooding. Asked by McKenzie whether the project covered sewerage repairs, department officials said it did not.

A departmental briefing prepared for Transport Minister Catherine King and shared with the prime minister's office made no reference to septic problems or sewerage work. Released through freedom of information laws, it described clubhouse improvements covering furniture, lighting, the bar and outdoor dining, as well as public toilets, a dog walking station and space for local environment groups.

Inner West Council minutes allocate A$4.5 million of the grant to clubhouse redevelopment, A$1 million to stormwater harvesting for course irrigation and A$500,000 to botanic plantings and landscaping. Design documents also show plans to renovate the clubhouse, including its bar, outdoor dining area and pro shop.

The club is in Albanese's electorate. He has a decades-long connection with it and held an undisclosed honorary membership. He has defended the funding as necessary for the community and said he did not provide final approval.