This inquiry into the administration of the Regional Partnerships Program and Sustainable Regions Program was established following allegations raised in parliament and the media about the misuse of the programs in the lead up to the 2004 federal election. Concerns raised included allegations of serious impropriety in the approval and announcement of certain grants, and the discovery that certain procedures governing the administration of the programs had been concealed from public view. Allegations were also made by a member of the House of Representatives that political conditions were placed on several grants made under the Regional Partnerships Program.