Concerns aired at Liberal lobbyist Michael Photios’s insider access

Prominent Liberal Party lobbyist Michael Photios attended a private function for newly appointed NSW minister Natalie Ward and gave a speech in her honour, raising concerns around his access to cabinet members.

Liberal Party lobbyist Michael Photios. Picture: Tim Hunter

Prominent Liberal Party lobbyist Michael Photios attended a private function for newly appointed Berejiklian government minister Natalie Ward and gave a speech in her honour, raising concerns around his access to cabinet members and ongoing role within the “fabric of the Liberal Party”.

Mr Photios, among a few dozen people invited to the function, defended his presence at the event, held at the Paddington Hotel in Sydney’s eastern suburbs at the weekend.

It was organised by Ms Ward’s husband, David Begg, a former director of PremierState, the lobbying firm founded by Mr Photios.

Ms Ward was promoted to cabinet last week as part of a reshuffle to fill two vacancies.

A spokeswoman for Ms Ward said the “meal and drinks for family and friends” was paid for by the minister; questions concerning Mr Photios’s presence went unanswered.

Some cabinet ministers have sought to publicly distance themselves from the Liberal Party powerbroker because of perceptions over his access to MPs and influence on government policy.

Mr Photios said he attended the function for about 45 minutes and had not intended to give a speech until he was asked by another attendee.

“I was tremendously proud to see Natalie appointed and like any other Australian, in the Aussie way, was more than happy to share a drink at a pub for less than an hour to celebrate,” he said.

“Moreover, I’m happy to do that again for any friend and make absolutely no apology – it’s the Australian way.”

Mr Photios said there was “not one scintilla” of rule or regulation precluding him from socialising with friends “no matter their title”.

“Apart from in North Korea, and more recently Myanmar, no one is precluded in Australia from mixing with each other as friends – political or otherwise,” he said.

“The concept is anathema to the very principles that underpin our democracy and way of life.”

Acting NSW Labor leader Adam Searle said the matter highlighted the weakness of laws around lobbyists and their access to ministers in government.

“It’s clear Michael Photios remains completely embedded in the fabric of the Liberal Party at every level,” he said.

“The laws around lobbying clearly need a complete overhaul to restore public confidence.”

Mr Photios was a minister in the Fahey government and left parliament in 1999.