Australian Government Grilled Over "Dirt File" on Federal MP Helen Haines

The Australian government is facing scrutiny over a document, referred to as a "dirt file," that was reportedly circulated from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's office to journalists. The document emerged shortly after federal MP Helen Haines criticized a $6 million grant awarded to the Marrickville Golf Club in Sydney.

The file, which bore the name of the Prime Minister's deputy director of communications, did not allege wrongdoing but outlined funding requests made by Haines for projects in her regional Victorian electorate and suggested lines of inquiry for reporters. The Daily Mail first reported on the circulation of this material.

During a Thursday hearing of the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee, Pauline Sullivan, first assistant secretary in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, was questioned about the document. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie asked Sullivan if she was aware of the file. Sullivan stated she was not.

McKenzie then raised reporting that metadata indicated the document was created on the Prime Minister and Cabinet's IT system. She asked Sullivan to confirm if any department officers contributed to the document's creation, verification, or review. Sullivan responded that she had no prior knowledge of metadata involving the department and was therefore unable to confirm or deny the claims.

McKenzie requested that Sullivan take the matter on notice, to which the secretary agreed. The senator also inquired whether an official of the department creating or reviewing such a document would breach Australian Public Service values and the APS code of conduct. Sullivan declined to comment on the hypothetical situation, reiterating that she had no knowledge of the matter and was not prepared to speculate based on media reports.

Prime Minister Albanese addressed the document earlier in the week, rejecting suggestions it was a personal attack. He described it as a list of funding requests from Haines, asserting that "people of integrity stand up for their electorate."

Separately, Dr. Haines was hospitalized in critical condition after suffering injuries in an alleged attack on Monday afternoon. She underwent amputation of both her legs and is now in serious but stable condition. Brendan Nugent, 43, has been charged in connection with the incident, including dangerous driving causing serious harm. He has not been diagnosed with mental health issues, but his lawyer expressed concern for his psychological well-being and requested an assessment. Nugent did not apply for bail and is remanded in custody.