Police check grant details

CHRIS CALCINO for the Far North’s $20 million Regional Jobs and Investment Package.

“The AFP has been made aware of allegations regarding the inappropriate awarding of a government grant,” an AFP spokesman said.

“The AFP is reviewing material provided by an individual to determine an appropriate course of action.

“While this is under way, no further comment will be made.”

A list of successful projects awarded under the fund stated the centre would provide services to the region’s community pharmacy network, including drug distribution, dose administration aid packing, sterile compounding, human resource management and bookkeeping.

It was touted as first of its kind in regional Queensland and Northern Australia, creating 80 jobs during construction and ongoing full-time employment for 20 people once operational.

The criteria stated recipients must match the Federal Government’s funding dollarfor-dollar, meaning the entire project would cost almost $5 million to complete.

Community leaders including Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning have called for a top-level investigation by authorities.

Federal Labor has also called on Regional Development Minister John McVeigh to confirm all appropriate processes were followed in the discharge of funds.

Both Mr Entsch and Mr Twomey have denied any wrongdoing.