Stronger Communities Fund pork-barrelling

Inner West Council is taking a leading advocacy roles in ensuring the New South Wales Government is held to account over the Stronger Communities Fund.

As well, Inner West Council has joined with Canterbury Bankstown to pursue legal action against the NSW Government over their maladministration of the Fund.

Established by the NSW Government in 2016, the Stronger Communities Fund Program was designed to provide newly amalgamated councils with funding to kickstart the delivery of projects, improve local infrastructure, services and support community groups.

However, before the 2019 state election, more than 95 per cent of the $252m distributed fund money went to councils in Coalition-held seats – some of which were not amalgamated councils.

As well, councils that missed out were not notified of the fund money and were not invited to apply.

Read about Council’s fight:

26 November 2020: Dubbo Council awarded $28 million sweetheart deal by Berejiklian and Barilaro

26 November 2020:  Slush fund documents prove Premier’s involvement - forensic review must still be undertaken

13 November 2020: Leichhardt and Campbelltown must not be left out in the cold by the NSW Government 

12 November 2020: Deleted slush fund documents must be released by Premier Berejiklian according to department head 

27 October 2020: Councils to pursue legal action over $252 million slush fund

26 October 2020: Destruction of $252 million slush fund approval documents requires forensic examination