Party leader Pauline Hanson claims surge in funding has become a ‘slush fund’ for government electorates, as Senate estimates examine sharp rise in spending.
Australia’s One Nation party has accused the federal Labor government of channelling the bulk of multicultural grants to seats held by its own members of parliament, describing the programme as a “slush fund” for political advantage.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson raised the issue during Senate estimates hearings, citing analysis of grant data that showed spending on multicultural programmes rising from roughly $6 million in 2022-23-Labor’s first year in office-to about $325 million in 2025-26. According to the party’s figures, around 88 percent of the total funding since Labor took power, and as much as 94 percent in the most recent financial year, went to Labor-held electorates.
Hanson said a significant share of the grants was awarded through closed, non-competitive processes. She highlighted that Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke’s western Sydney electorate of Watson was among the largest recipients, receiving tens of millions of dollars. “This is taxpayer money being used as a slush fund for Labor Party seats,” she told the hearing.
Australia Faces Scrutiny Over Multicultural Grants to Labor Seats:
Department of Home Affairs officials confirmed the approximate scale of the increase during questioning. Officials noted that the higher total included around $171 million in election commitments made by Labor, as well as specific large grants such as funding for organisations affected by antisemitic attacks. One official said the department does not record or analyse grant spending by electorate.
A government minister present at the estimates session said it would not be surprising if substantial funding went to highly multicultural electorates such as Burke’s. The Coalition opposition has previously levelled similar accusations, arguing that a large portion of a $171 million Supporting Multicultural Communities programme flowed to Labor seats.
One Nation has called for greater transparency, urging the government to publish assessments, ministerial briefs and decision-making records related to the grants. The party argues that funds should be allocated according to community need rather than electoral boundaries.
Australia Debates Multicultural Funding Claims:
The claims come amid heightened political debate in Australia over migration levels, social cohesion and the distribution of public funds. Labor has defended its multicultural programmes as support for community organisations that promote integration and respond to specific needs, including security-related projects. Critics, including One Nation and elements of the Coalition, contend that the concentration of funding raises questions about fairness and accountability.
The Albanese government has not issued a detailed public rebuttal of the precise electorate-by-electorate figures presented by One Nation, though ministers have emphasised that many grants fulfil prior election promises and serve diverse urban communities where Labor holds many seats. The issue is expected to remain a point of contention in parliamentary scrutiny and public debate.