Government loan to Adani could be tainted by interference, economists say

Exclusive: Senate inquiry told the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund is 'sorely wanting' on transparency

A group of prominent economists have told a Senate inquiry the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund (Naif) is "sorely wanting" on transparency, accountability and its track record for public disclosure, and called on it to make major changes to the way it operates.

In a submission to the Senate inquiry into the governance and operation of Naif, the group discusses the potential $900m loan to Adani for a rail link to its proposed Carmichael coalmine as a case study, and raises serious concerns about the way the body operates.