Anti-Corruption Probe Launched Over Alleged Diversion of Catholic School Funds to Politics
New South Wales ICAC has commenced formal proceedings into allegations that up to AU$265,000 in public education funding allocated to Catholic schools was diverted to political factional activities and party recruitment.
Harry Taruva 
Sydney – The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in New South Wales (NSW) has commenced formal proceedings into allegations concerning the diversion of public education funds allocated for Catholic schools into political party activities.
The inquiry centers on allegations that administrative entity Catholic Schools NSW directed up to AU$265,000 in public funding toward political factional activities and political party recruitment under former Chief Executive, Dallas McInerney.
Independent Education Union of Australia (IEUA) NSW/ACT Branch Secretary, Carol Matthews, stated that union members demand total accountability and financial transparency regarding public funds disbursed to non-government educational authorities.
"IEU members would be deeply concerned if any public funding for non-government schools has been diverted from its intended purpose," Matthews said.
She said state educational funding must be directed strictly toward academic resources, special education provisions and staff employment conditions.
"Responsible school expenditure includes professional learning for school staff, development of curriculum materials, support for students with disabilities and adequate pay and working conditions for staff who deliver quality education," Matthews stated.
The union leader urged regulatory institutions to institute tighter auditing oversight on intermediary bodies that handle public funds on behalf of non-government schools.
