MPs granting powerful political lobbyists unfettered access to Australia’s parliament, data reveals
News Source
•Tue, 03 Nov 2026 04:37:41 GMT
📰 What Happened
New data shows which federal MPs are sponsoring access passes for lobbyists at Parliament House. Under updated rules, two MPs must back each pass and the details are published.
Woodside Energy holds three passes, backed by Labor and Coalition MPs. The Minerals Council of Australia also has passes, and so does the lobby group for online gambling companies.
The first release was thin. More than 1,000 applications are still waiting to be processed.
🔍 The Backstory
Around 2,000 people hold passes that let them into the private office areas of Parliament House. Until now, the public could not see who sponsored them. Independent MP David Pocock and others pushed for change.
A review by the House Speaker, Milton Dick, and Senate President, Sue Lines, led to the new register. The Prime Minister said last year that the system needed more transparency.
🎯 Why It Matters
Lobbyists shape laws on energy, gambling and health. Knowing who gets special access helps voters judge whether decisions are fair.
New data shows which federal MPs are sponsoring access passes for lobbyists at Parliament House. Under updated rules, two MPs must back each pass and the details are published.
Woodside Energy holds three passes, backed by Labor and Coalition MPs. The Minerals Council of Australia also has passes, and so does the lobby group for online gambling companies.
The first release was thin. More than 1,000 applications are still waiting to be processed.
Around 2,000 people hold passes that let them into the private office areas of Parliament House. Until now, the public could not see who sponsored them. Independent MP David Pocock and others pushed for change.
A review by the House Speaker, Milton Dick, and Senate President, Sue Lines, led to the new register. The Prime Minister said last year that the system needed more transparency.
Lobbyists shape laws on energy, gambling and health. Knowing who gets special access helps voters judge whether decisions are fair.