MPs granting powerful political lobbyists unfettered access to Australia’s parliament, data reveals
Summary
Australia’s first public register of parliamentary access passes lists MPs sponsoring lobbyists and private groups, including major energy, mining and gambling interests. The release covers only a small share of existing passes, and more than 1,000 applications remain unprocessed, leaving much of the access undisclosed.Key Facts
- New rules require MPs who sponsor lobbyists and other private interests for Parliament House access passes to be named on a public register.
- Woodside Energy has three listed access cards sponsored by Labor and Coalition MPs.
- The Minerals Council of Australia has passes sponsored by MPs from both major parties.
- ConocoPhillips, Australian Energy Producers and Alinta Energy also have access sponsored by MPs.
- Responsible Wagering Australia, which represents bet365, Sportsbet and Betfair, has two passes sponsored by Labor MP Raff Ciccone and Coalition MP Anne Ruston.
- The register also lists passes for lobby groups and other organisations, including the Pharmacy Guild and the Australian Peace and Security Forum.
- More than 1,000 pass applications are awaiting processing, and campaigners say the disclosure covers about 10% of existing passes.
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