Iemma to remain lobbyist despite being named new stadiums boss

Former NSW premier Morris Iemma has promised to keep separate his political lobbying for the property industry from a new job overseeing the state’s biggest stadiums.

Iemma, the new chair of Venues NSW, insists he does not need to stand aside as a lobbyist, saying he would not let the two roles overlap.

Former NSW premier Morris Iemma will continue working as a third-party lobbyist after his appointment as the chair of Venues NSW.Credit: Brook Mitchell

“I can’t, and I won’t,” he said. “Anything relating to the management of Venues NSW I am prohibited from acting for anybody, so any commercial arrangements, bidding on any kind of contracts, I’m absolutely banned.

“It’s a black and white prohibition, and I’ll be adhering to that absolutely.”

Iemma has been chief executive of lobbying firm IPPA Trust with former Liberal MP Chris Patterson since December 2019, representing large developer Deicorp and landholder Leppington Pastoral Company.

As Venues NSW chair, Iemma will report to Lands and Property Minister Steve Kamper, who also is currently overseeing an audit of excess public land for possible sale as the state seeks to boost its public housing stock.

Iemma’s appointment as the new chair of Venues NSW was criticised by the Opposition Leader Mark Speakman last week, accusing Chris Minns of cronyism after the Herald reported two of Iemma’s sons are also employed by the premier.

However, the decision to pick Iemma to replace Tony Shepherd for the plum gig was praised by high-profile figures including former Liberal premier Mike Baird, now chair of Cricket Australia, who called it an “outstanding” appointment.

A spokesman for Kamper said the minister would “not be engaging with Mr Iemma in his capacity as a third-party registered lobbyist”.

“In NSW, strong ethical rules apply to lobbyists who serve on NSW government boards and committees,” the spokesman said.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has accused the Premier of cronyism.Credit: James Brickwood

“Under the NSW Lobbyists Code of Conduct, third-party lobbyists are strictly prohibited from lobbying on any matter that relates to the functions of a NSW government board or committee of which they are members.

“All members of NSW government boards and committees are required to manage any conflict of interest that may arise from their private interests.

“The Sporting Venues Authorities Act 2008 sets strict requirements around the disclosure and management of conflicts of interest by members of the Venues NSW Board.”

Iemma is on the board of Football NSW and is currently chair of the Usman Khawaja Foundation. He was also chairman of Greyhound Racing NSW, a role he was appointed to by the last government.

Iemma’s appointment to the chairman role, worth about $70,000, was widely touted before it was announced last week. The appointment was led by the Premier’s Department and the Office of Sport.

The final selection panel comprised International Olympics Committee vice president John Coates, Office of Sport chief executive Karen Jones and Axiom managing director Peter Perry.

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