Inside Parliament House, powerful lobbyists can outnumber politicians
An investigation by ABC News reveals that former political staffers turned lobbyists are gaining significant access to Australia's Parliament House. The report highlights concerns regarding the 'revolving door' phenomenon where lobbyists use their connections to influence public policy.
Why it matters
It raises ethical questions about transparency and the influence of corporate interests on government decision-making.
Inside Parliament House, powerful lobbyists can outnumber politicians By Mark Willacy , Lesley Robinson , Dylan Welch and Samantha Dick Four Corners
Link copied Share Share article A senior officer in Canberra's Parliament House has received an urgent message.
An interloper is in one of the break rooms.
These rooms, with their kitchenette, dining table, and comfortable couches, are where Senate staffers can relax, have a cup of tea or eat their lunch in peace.
But today, a gatecrasher is sitting on a couch in one of the break rooms, holding a video meeting on his laptop.
Independent ACT senator David Pocock has seen this before.
"He's forever setting up shop in the break rooms, which are meant to be for staff to actually go and have a lunch break and use a microwave," he says.
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