‘Teal’ MP Pushes for Clarity on Regional Funding

On Aug. 20, the minister for infrastructure faced tough questions in Parliament regarding delays in funding to successful applicants of the Growing Regions Program. During Question Time, Dr. Helen Haines, the “teal” member for Indi, demanded an explanation from the government, stating that the program, which opened for applications in July, has left regional communities waiting for much-needed funding, with no announcements yet made, even though successful projects were revealed in May. Minister Catherine King defended the delays, stating that the government is committed to building greater transparency and integrity into the grants program. “Round One of the Growing Regions Program is delivering 40 community infrastructure projects across regional Australia, including the Seymour Community Wellbeing Hub, the Mission Beach Town Upgrade, the Kununurra Runway Extension, and the Swan Hill Reinvigorating Our Riverfront Project,” the Labor minister said....