May
Renewables lobby leaderless after long-serving boss quits
Australia’s top industry advocate has stepped down less than a week after an election he called a “referendum on renewable energy”.
April
Regional bank levy still an option with Treasury seeking more data
A pre-Easter email from Treasury officials to regional banks seeking detailed cost data suggests plans for a cost-sharing levy remain in the works.
Pharmacy Guild coming to you from the Chairman’s Lounge
Labor has been remarkably kind to the chemists’ lobby group recently, but we suspect that’s more due to their choice of lobbyist than airline lounge access.
New Zealand proposes law change to deliver CBA, ANZ major legal win
The country’s conservative government has taken the unusual step in intervening in a stoush between thousands of bank customers and the lenders with new laws.
Deloitte taps ex-speaker Tony Smith for ‘advice’
Is Deloitte trying to get into the Coalition’s good books, or does Tony Smith just really love AI?
EY and PwC become the outsourcers
Such is the big four’s plight in Canberra that they have started outsourcing their government dealings.
March
Trump triggers radical profit boost for conservative lobbyists
CT Group, formerly known as Crosby Textor, has done a full reversal – from the red to strong profit – before the election has even been called.
Trump buys a new Tesla on White House driveway to support Musk
The move came as the electric car company faces blowback due to the chief executive’s work to advance the president’s agenda and cut public service jobs.
Forrest allegedly chased coal plant buy to ‘influence’ key US senator
Internal documents suggest Fortescue considered a $200 million deal based on its relationship with a US politician, whose IRA support was crucial to it passing.
February
‘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.