The Public Accountability and Works Committee made 30 findings about Labor’s $37.2 million Local Small Commitments Allocation program including that it lacked rigorous public benefit assessment or robust conflict of interest processes and was designed to influence voters rather than serve the community.
Special Minister of State and Minister for Transport John Graham was found to have misled Parliament on at least three separate occasions, to have been dishonest throughout the inquiry and breached his obligations under the Government Sector Finance Act 2018.
The report also raises serious concerns about a close ally of Chris Minns and another member of the Premier’s Office staff, with a finding that both should be referred to the appropriate authorities for consideration of prosecution for lying under oath.
Shadow Minister for Government Accountability Alister Henskens said the committee chaired by the Greens has delivered a damning indictment on Labor’s integrity.
“This is another example of a dodgy and dishonest Government, more interested in wasting taxpayers money for their own benefit when the state’s economy is going backwards.”
Member for Manly, James Griffin MP said this was a shocking breach of community trust in managing taxpayers money.
“This report is a damning indictment of a Labor Government that blatantly used taxpayer funds for political purposes, but then tried to cover its tracks, Mr Griffin said.
“Our community deserves better. And our needs deserve to be considered by the Minns Labor Government. The Government must apologise to the Manly electorate for undermining their trust in fair, transparent governance.”
Last modified: May 19, 2026
