Political lobbying
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Stuart Robert
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
Latest
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
Exclusive
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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For subscribers
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
Exclusive
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
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For subscribers
Inquiry launched into visa deals linked to Scott Morrison ally
A federal inquiry will examine a cancelled visa outsourcing project that cost taxpayers at least $92 million.
- by David Crowe
Exclusive
Power player
Failures on quarantine contract helped sink Pezzullo
The decision by the ousted Home Affairs secretary to direct a government contract to his lobbyist friend’s firm without declaring it was among the factors in his dismissal.
- by Nick McKenzie, Michael Bachelard and James Massola
‘Toothless and ineffectual’: Lobbying crackdown to be put to parliament
Independent MP Monique Ryan will seek support for the draft law to tighten the lobbying rules and force much greater disclosure on federal ministers.
- by David Crowe