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The federal government redirected cash from a $31 million safety program into a selected group of churches and cultural events after a key minister rejected department advice that ruled the projects ineligible.
Assistant Minister Jason Wood handpicked the projects to receive taxpayer funds for security services and equipment in a decision that cut funding to recipients that scored more highly in the Home Affairs department’s analysis of their merit.
Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood.
Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
Mr Wood intervened to make sure the grants went to projects including a Catholic parish in south-east Melbourne, a preschool in Gulargambone in NSW and an African music festival.
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