Labor asks for inquiry into how Shine Energy secured $4m grant for Collinsville coal plant study

Mark Butler asks auditor general for investigation into how company invited to apply for grant two days after securing it

Labor has requested an auditor general investigation into how Shine Energy secured $4m for a feasibility study into a coal-fired power station at Collinsville in north Queensland with an application two days after the grant was publicly announced.

Labor's climate spokesman, Mark Butler, has written to the auditor general requesting an inquiry into the supporting reliable energy infrastructure program, which Guardian Australia revealed resulted in specific guidelines" drawn up for a one-off grant to the company.