Report finds $660m car park fund was used in mostly Liberal or marginal electorates

A scathing report has found a $660 million fund set up to finance 47 commuter car parks near public transport was used to pay for projects in largely Liberal or marginal electorates at the 2019 election.

It started with a list of top 20 marginal seats and ended with a funding program the Audit Office described as "ineffective" and not based on merit.

The report, conducted by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) last month, also revealed some of the projects were never completed.

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Auditor Brian Boyd told a Senate committee today projects were identified by Coalition MPs or candidates, then added to a list managed by then-Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge's office.

"It started being initially termed as 'top 20 marginals' to touch base with the top 20 marginal representatives... to ask them what projects in your electorate are worthy of being put through this program," Mr Boyd told the inquiry.

He also revealed the Prime Minister's office was involved in the canvassing process, prompting Labor Senator Katy Gallagher to accuse the government of "professional rorting".

The Opposition had requested the Department of Infrastructure bring relevant documents to the inquiry, but officials turned up empty-handed.