Slater and Gordon raise concerns about legality of federal government’s sporting grants
A class action suit is being considered by a top law firm that has raised serious concerns about the lawfulness of the federal government’s $100 million community sporting grants.
VIC News
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Law firm Slater and Gordon is considering a class action suit over the federal government’s $100 million “sports rorts” scheme.
Community sporting clubs that missed out on funding in the now discredited pre-election cash splash are being encouraged to come forward with their stories so the firm can decide if there is a case to answer.
Class Actions Practice Group Leader Andrew Baker said the clubs that were deemed most worthy by Sport Australia but missed out following intervention by then sports minister Bridget McKenzie could have the right to legal remedies.
“These community organisations, clubs and groups have lost out because it appears public funds were used for political gain,” Mr Baker said.
“After a thorough investigation, the Australian National Audit Office has stated that there was no legal authority evident to it which allowed the Minister to approve the grants, rather than Sport Australia.
“This raises serious questions about the lawfulness of the conduct involved.
“In these circumstances, the clubs that have suffered because of any unlawful conduct may have rights to seek legal remedy.”
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Ms McKenzie has resisted calls for her resignation after the audit report found she skewed Community Sport Infrastructure program funding towards marginal seats.
The Herald Sun is not suggesting the allegations against her are true, only that they have been made and are being investigated.
She said last week that “no rules were broken” and she used discretionary powers given to her in the program’s guidelines.