Data reveals powerful political lobbyists granted unfettered access to Australia’s parliament

Sponsors named for major firms

Woodside Energy, described as Australia’s largest fossil fuel company, has three access cards. Labor MPs Meryl Swanson, Glenn Sterle and Tracey Roberts, along with Coalition MPs Melissa Price, Rick Wilson and Susan McDonald, sponsor access.

Betting lobby group has passes

Responsible Wagering Australia, which represents betting companies bet365, Sportsbet and Betfair, has two passes. Shadow health minister Anne Ruston and Labor MP Raff Ciccone are listed as primary sponsors. The Pharmacy Guild has two sponsored passes, signed by Labor MPs Gordon Reid, Anne Urquhart, Repacholi and Josh Dolega.

New rules and partial disclosure

Under the new rules, two MPs must sponsor lobbyists who register for a pass. Previously, information about more than 2,000 people with building access had not been transparent, prompting frustration among MPs including ACT independent David Pocock.

House Speaker Milton Dick and Senate President Sue Lines reviewed policies on entry to private areas of Parliament House. In March, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said greater “transparency and rigour” was needed for sponsored pass holders.

Calls for national oversight

Spokesman Christian Slattery said the disclosure covers about 10% of existing passes, leaving Australians without the full picture. He called for national laws governing lobbying conduct and the creation of a regulator.