Major resources and betting firms gain direct parliament access through MP
New transparency data reveals Woodside Energy, the Minerals Council of Australia and betting industry lobby groups have secured access passes to parliament's private offices sponsored by Labor and Coalition MPs.
Updated rules now require MPs who sponsor lobbyists to register them publicly, with the first data released this week revealing how industry gains direct access to parliament. Woodside Energy, Australia's largest fossil fuel company, holds three passes sponsored by Labor politicians Meryl Swanson, Glenn Sterle and Tracey Roberts, plus Coalition MPs Melissa Price, Rick Wilson and Susan McDonald.
The Minerals Council of Australia has passes backed by Coalition frontbenchers and Labor members. Responsible Wagering Australia, representing betting giants like bet365 and Sportsbet, has passes sponsored by shadow health minister Anne Ruston and Labor's Raff Ciccone.
However, more than 1,000 applications remain unprocessed, with transparency advocates saying the register covers only about 10% of the roughly 2,000 total pass holders.
- 3
- Woodside Energy passes
- bet365, Sportsbet, Betfair
- Betting groups represented
- approximately 10%
- Pass applications processed
- roughly 2,000
- Total pass holders estimated
Why it mattersShows how major industries secure direct access to decision-makers; raises questions about lobbying influence on lawmakers.
AustraliaReveals how Australian resource companies, energy firms and betting operators gain parliamentary access and can influence policy affecting Australians.
