[2] The outcomes of the report resulted in extensive media coverage due to Minister McKenzie using her ministerial discretion to favour marginal or targeted electorates in the allocation of grants in the lead up to 2019 Australian federal election.
Funding totalling A$102.5 million was approved for 684 projects, which due to the large number and great variety, were assessed in three rounds completed in December 2018, February 2019 and April 2019.
The Shadow Attorney-General, Mark Dreyfus requested that the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) investigate the management of the program.
[2] The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) on 15 January 2020 released its report titled "Award of Funding under the Community Sport Infrastructure Program".
The ANAO found there were two processes in awarding grant: Sport Australia providing ranking lists based on three factors which were subjectively assessed, and the minister's office later produced a list based on its subjective assessment that the proposal was more in line with the programs objective, with a colour-coded spreadsheet highlighting types of electorates.
McKenzie also highlighted that the final list of approvals was not a Sports Rort, as the outcome was "reverse pork-barrelling" because Labor seats benefited from her ministerial intervention.
[20] Hewson had months earlier revealed that he was no longer a member of the Liberal Party meaning he did not face any repercussions for this criticism of the Prime Minister.
[21] In February 2020, the Senate established Select Committee to inquire into and report on the administration and award of funding under the Community Sport Infrastructure Grants.