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

Research presented by political scientist Ian McAllister suggests politically targeted government grants have little impact on election results. McAllister and economist Andrew Leigh analyzed a dataset of a sports infrastructure grants program, known as the “sports rort,” examining successful and unsuccessful applications alongside independent merit evaluations. Their findings indicate that grants, despite politicians’ beliefs, do not measurably affect electoral outcomes.

• 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.