Pork-barrelling isn’t illegal, but it's one of the dark arts of politics: governments spending money in seats they want to win.

So, when does the practice cross the line from politicians faithfully serving the public into pork-barrelling and using taxpayer dollars to essentially bribe voters?

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton on the two Labor grants that are beginning to raise questions in Canberra, and the MP who is trying to make public spending more transparent.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram

Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Middleton

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.