Queensland lobbyist Pete Coulson organises invitations for brother-in-law’s fundraiser

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg’s lobbyist brother-in-law invited a client to an ‘intimate’ post-budget fundraiser for the minister.

Former Tasmanian Liberal Party director and ex-LNP staffer Pete Coulson.

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A registered lobbyist invited a ­client and other guests to an “intimate” post-budget fundraiser for his brother-in-law, new Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg, after integrity commissioner advice warning the minister not to be lobbied by his relative.

Former Tasmanian Liberal Party director and ex-LNP staffer Pete Coulson – now a lobbyist for Counsel House – invited guests to the “exclusive” event at parliament on Tuesday night to raise money for Mr Mickelberg and the Liberal National Party.

Mr Coulson is married to Mr Mickelberg’s sister and has legal advice warning him not to lobby his brother-in-law, while the minister has similar advice from the integrity commissioner, who serves as watchdog for the state’s lobbying industry. Both men say they have followed the rules and the ­advice. The Australian has established that Mr Coulson invited one of his paying lobbying clients – international mega-project engineering and property company Gamuda Engineering Australia – to attend the fundraiser.

The client did not donate to the LNP to go to the event, but did meet with Mr Mickelberg to introduce the company and explain what kind of work it did.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg was the beneficiary of a post-budget fundraiser at Parliament House on Tuesday night. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Coulson was in the room, but was not part of the conversation between his brother-in-law and his lobbying client. He says he has never lobbied Mr Mickelberg in his ministerial capacity.

In the invitation sent to prospective guests, Mr Coulson said Treasurer David Janetzki was the guest of honour, and both ministers would brief attendees on the state budget that had been delivered just hours before. “This event offers a rare opportunity for key stakeholders, industry leaders, and supporters to gain insider access to budget insights and transport priorities, network, and engage with stakeholders, while supporting one of Queensland’s most capable cabinet ministers,” Mr Coulson’s invitation read.

Premier David Crisafulli, Housing Minister Sam O’Connor, and LNP backbenchers Sean Dillon and Bree James were also there. The lobbyist told The Australian he was not at the event in a professional capacity and had “proudly supported the LNP for 20 years and will continue to contribute to its success”. “My relationship with Minister Mickelberg is properly declared, and I don’t represent clients in matters under his portfolio,” Mr Coulson said. “I have never lobbied Minister Mickelberg in his ministerial capacity. Counsel House follows all lobbying laws and has backed stronger regulation in a recent submission to the integrity commissioner.”

Mr Mickelberg said he “sought advice from the integrity commissioner and it’s something I take ­seriously and adhere to”.

Registered lobbyists are ­required to declare contacts on ­behalf of their clients with government and opposition officials, and are asked to describe the purpose of each communication, including an introduction, the development or amendment of a government policy or program, or arranging meetings and events.

On the state’s lobbying register, Mr Coulson has declared nine current clients, including Tilt Renewables, the country’s largest meat processing company JBS Australia, and construction insurance specialists ATC Insurance Services. He also represents three of the Gamuda group of companies.

Former Labor premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was forced to order an inquiry into the public service and lobbying after an investigation by The Australian revealed Labor-linked lobbyists Evan Moorhead and Cameron Milner had secretly run her 2020 re-election campaign, and then had unprecedented access to her government for their clients.

The Coaldrake review recommended the banning of lobbyists from working on political campaigns, a rule that became law in 2023.

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