Pork-Barrelling Has ‘Zero Electoral Effect,’ Study Finds. So Why Does It Persist?

A straw poll found MPs believed a $500,000 grant would lift their vote share, even though the underlying data showed no measurable electoral effect.

Pork-Barrelling Has ‘Zero Electoral Effect,’ Study Finds. So Why Does It Persist?

TL;DR

  • Political scientist Ian McAllister presented research suggesting government grants have minimal impact on election results.
  • The study analyzed a 2018-2019 sports infrastructure grants program, referred to as the “sports rort.”
  • Data included successful and unsuccessful grants and independent public servant evaluations.
  • McAllister, director of the Australian Election Study, collaborated with economist Andrew Leigh.
  • The findings contradict politicians' beliefs that grants can influence vote share.

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