What counts as ‘lobbying’? That’s the central question at the core of the Australian Parliament Sports Club saga, the company organising social sport at Parliament House — paid for by sponsors, who in turn get to play alongside politicians and political staffers, building vital relationships during sitting weeks. 

According to the government’s definition, the Club is not a lobbying organisation and has been removed from the lobbyists register. CEO of the Club Andy Turnbull provided Crikey with a lengthy statement defending his operation… after kicking out former Wallabies captain and Senator David Pocock for questioning the legitimacy of the Club at senate estimates. 

So does it pass the pub test? Crikey’s media reporter Daanyal Saeed joins the podcast to unpack the Parliament Sports Club lobbying saga, from beginning to end.

Read more:

• Australian Parliament Sports Club de-registered as lobby group amid MP outrage (including Andy Turnbull’s full statement to Crikey)
• The gambling lobby has infiltrated social sports at Parliament House
• Gambling not as serious as cigarettes, PM’s adviser tells reform advocates
• On gambling, Australia is a collection of banana republics — while our cowering government watches on

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