Political lobbying
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Stephen Conroy
Labor mates in lobbyland: ‘I just get paid more’
With billions of dollars up for grabs, former politicians and advisers know they can charge handsomely to help big companies gain access to mammoth federal deals.
- by David Crowe
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Defence
Lobbyland: Pyne, Feeney open doors in defence
A weapons supplier with more than $200 million in federal deals has emerged as one of the best-connected companies in federal politics.
- by David Crowe
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Anthony Albanese
Albanese’s $22.7 billion spendathon a lobbyist honeypot
The rise of a new class of lobbyists with close access to political leaders has heightened concerns about the power of the top players in Canberra.
- by David Crowe
Three meetings, one minister, a $27m contract … and a $135m blowout
Tech giant Salesforce met with then-cabinet minister Stuart Robert three times before securing a lucrative contract, sparking strong criticism from a parliamentary inquiry.
- by David Crowe
Former Andrews adviser ousted from lobby firm, denies bullying claims
John-Paul Blandthorn – the brother of Allan government minister Lizzie Blandthorn – said he was seeking legal advice after being sacked from Labor-linked firm Hawker Britton.
- by Kieran Rooney
‘Fatally flawed’: Crossbench anger after Senate report stops short of lobbying reform
A Senate inquiry has rebuffed calls for stricter controls on the hundreds of lobbyists who gain access to Parliament House to influence politicians.
- by David Crowe
NSW ICAC suggests sweeping changes to federal lobbying rules
The NSW ICAC has made an unusual intervention into federal politics to call for tougher rules for lobbyists.
- by James Massola
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ALP
Alannah’s back: MacTiernan registers as lobbyist but isn’t ‘open for business’
The former state Labor minister and federal MP insists she placed herself on the register out of an abundance of caution after starting a new job.
- by Hamish Hastie
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Lobbyist donations climb more than 500 per cent over two decades
Lobbyists and industry groups have ramped up their payments to the major political parties, extending their influence.
- by David Crowe
Lobbyists gaining unfair access to ministers, says leading lawyer
A top constitutional lawyer has warned that federal parliament needs stricter rules on who gets favoured status when seeking influence.
- by David Crowe
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ALP
Burke’s tip to Basil: Cull the Clan or go nowhere with the Libs
When asked what he spoke to Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas about, the former premier said it related to the Liberals’ powerbroking faction known as the Clan.
- by Hamish Hastie