Senate inquiry finds no proactive monitoring of Albanese ministerial code compliance

Officials from Australia’s Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet told a Senate inquiry they do not monitor compliance with the Prime Minister’s ministerial code or proactively identify possible breaches. The evidence raises questions about how conflicts of interest are handled, particularly when allegations concern the Prime Minister himself.

The inquiry is examining the $570 million Major Local Community Infrastructure Program, including a $6.05 million election commitment to Marrickville Golf Club in Anthony Albanese’s electorate. Officials said they did not know who made key decisions on election commitments and cited cabinet confidentiality. The club confirmed Albanese’s honorary membership gave him access equivalent to its $1,100 annual membership, and said sewerage works were not included in the funded project, despite Albanese previously linking the grant to sewage entering the Cooks River.