This Month
‘Worst in a decade’: Why the campaign against renewables is thriving
After a recent boardroom shake-up, Australia’s top renewables industry group wants to take the fight to its enemies.
Whitehaven, New Hope and Bowen dig deep to revive coal lobbying
From t-shirts to right-wing campaign groups to its own lobbyists and new industry group, the coal industry is getting its mojo back.
Is Ramsay Health Care whipping itself into a frenzy?
The private hospital lobby is turning on itself and Labor is making mileage from it.
Tech visa lobby foots bill for Andrew Bragg’s Christmas bash
It’s less glamorous than the Hemmes-sponsored party of 2023, but at least anyone interested in skilled migration or international student caps was happy.
Forget donations. This is where the major parties make millions
Both major parties run “forums” that give executives and lobbyists access to ministers and shadow ministers based on the subscription tier they subscribe to.
Anna Bligh to retire as boss of banking lobby group
The former Queensland premier took up the job as the industry’s peak lobbyist in the midst of a damning financial services royal commission.
January
Liberal lobbyist Photios brings in Labor big guns for bipartisan firm
The influential figure from the moderate faction says, despite the Coalition’s favourable polling, “the sun never sets” on a team that talks to both sides.
PM speed-dated TV, sports bosses before U-turn on gambling ad ban
In a 95-minute period on August 30, Anthony Albanese spoke with the country’s major sporting and TV bosses about his draft gambling ad policy.
November 2024
The gifts from foreign leaders Albanese has kept (and those he hasn’t)
There are strict rules for presents given to the prime minister and senior cabinet ministers. Here’s how the system works.
Rex donated thousands of dollars in free flights to political parties
The regional airline, which is now under administration, flew party officials for no cost during the last two election campaigns, disclosures show.
October 2024
LinkedIn still a safe place for WiseTech’s Richard White
How do you know the stories are true, asked Tech Council member and Airwallex founder Jack Zhang.
NRL, AFL personally lobbied Anthony Albanese against gambling ad ban
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NRL chairman Peter V’landys have been singing from the same songbook when it comes to gambling advertising. New details suggest why.
Iemma’s lobby shop going gangbusters amid NSW planning overhaul
Three of Iemma’s current and past clients might appear to benefit from the NSW government’s decision to seize planning controls of eight key Sydney sites.
Labor insider files suit against Hawker Britton
Three months after flagging his exploration of legal options, Labor insider John-Paul Blandthorn has followed up on the threat.
September 2024
Three ideas to sharpen up the Business Council of Australia’s act
Curiously, given business bangs on about innovation all the time, the BCA has failed to get the memo.
How business and economists can become relevant again
A central problem is that good economic policies have not been well communicated and have often been debated in an echo chamber of elites.
Tax and debt time bomb will hurt young Aussies, BCA chief warns
Labor and the Coalition are consigning younger generations to a future of higher taxes, ballooning government debt and poorer living standards, Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black will warn.
Has the Business Council lost its mojo?
The peak body has been a fixture of power for much of its 41 years, but it is now at a crossroads to resurrect its influence.
August 2024
M&A crackdown: corporates protest in Canberra
Executives from large companies who are worried about planned tougher laws to block corporate mergers have taken their concerns to Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
Jabiluka mining boss sidelined while Albanese met Peter Garrett
Brad Welsh, the chief executive of Energy Resources of Australia, says he was shocked about the abrupt cancellation of the lease announced last month.