This Month
Industry super’s Mean Girls club
Lobby groups governed by Labor heavyweights such as Wayne Swan, Nicola Roxon and James Merlino aren’t usually associated with bipartisanship.
Australian banks ramp up tax fight against Apple Pay, Google, Meta
Banks argue foreign rivals benefit from lower taxes and less regulation. They’re calling on the federal government to level the playing field.
Labor, Liberals set to lose millions in corporate cash
Both major parties make millions from pay-for-access business programs for executives and lobbyists. From July 1, they will have to change how they do business.
Ministers bill taxpayers $25k to attend Christmas soiree for donors
The dinner, hosted by the Federal Labor Business Forum, coincided with a ministerial meeting, which meant guests’ expenses were paid by taxpayers.
Anthropic’s Dario Amodei makes friends in Labor
The Claude maker’s bun fight with the Trump administration shows the importance of well-placed friendlies.
February
Secret emails to Chalmers accuse ASIC of damaging housing policy
Documents obtained under freedom of information laws reveal a dramatic breakdown of the relationship between ASIC and two major industry bodies.
Albanese hosts Ritz-Carlton dinner for Melbourne’s business elite
The dinner, hosted by the Federal Labor Business Forum, coincided with a ministerial meeting which ensured attendees could have flights and hotels covered by taxpayers.
Oil and gas lobbyist in line for Angus Taylor’s lead role
The Australian Energy Producers advisor Sam Riordan appears odds-on to head the opposition leader’s office.
Tech Council appoints LaunchVic boss as new CEO
Kate Cornick has resigned as the chief executive of Victoria’s start-up agency LaunchVic to lead the influential technology lobby group.
The 3 pieces of red tape CEOs hate most
The majority of CEOs working for multinationals believe conditions had worsened under the Albanese government, sparking fresh calls for regulatory reform.
January
Clive Mathieson leaves Sue Cato to head Coles’ corporate affairs
The former editor of The Australian has a “life changing offer” to advise Leah Weckert at the supermarket giant.
Thomson Geer to sell stake in Labor lobby shop TG Public over conflict fears
The law firm hopes a less formal relationship with the lobby group will avoid conflicts that could threaten its valuable stream of government work.
December 2025
Chalmers’ taxpayer-funded travel included fundraising event detours
Travel records show the treasurer booked at least 19 flights to and from cities around the time he was scheduled to attend party functions at a cost of $11,414.
Taxpayers pay for PM, ministers’ travel to Christmas soiree for donors
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has for the second time in six months hosted a full ministry meeting in Sydney followed by a fundraising event.
Canberra must end plum jobs for overpaid political hacks
The problem with jobs for the boys and girls is that it prioritises political pedigree and loyalty over candidates with talent, skill and diverse experiences.
November 2025
Singaporean energy giant goes all in on Alinta ambitions
Sembcorp is the newest addition to the client list of lobbyist and ex-Bill Shorten chief of staff, Ryan Liddell.
Having a laugh at Scott Farquhar is a bipartisan effort
There’s nothing like the Christmas spirit to get politicians from across the aisle to get along. Even if it’s not working as well within the Coalition.
Advance raised $13m to bolster ‘ill-equipped’ Liberals
Backed by some of the nation’s wealthiest businesspeople, the conservative lobby group spent millions on campaigns during the 2025 federal election year.
October 2025
Liberals fume over Tech Council chair’s $2m Climate 200 donations
Coalition MPs are furious the industry lobby group is chaired by Rich Lister Scott Farquhar, questioning its political independence from the teal movement.
Inside the changes that shook tech industry’s billionaire board
Chief executive Damian Kassabgi is resigning after just 16 months, fuelling speculation about internal rifts and direction.
