Political lobbying
Exclusive
For subscribers
Inquiry launched into visa deals linked to Scott Morrison ally
A federal inquiry will examine a cancelled visa outsourcing project that cost taxpayers at least $92 million.
- by David Crowe
Latest
Exclusive
Power player
Failures on quarantine contract helped sink Pezzullo
The decision by the ousted Home Affairs secretary to direct a government contract to his lobbyist friend’s firm without declaring it was among the factors in his dismissal.
- by Nick McKenzie, Michael Bachelard and James Massola
‘Toothless and ineffectual’: Lobbying crackdown to be put to parliament
Independent MP Monique Ryan will seek support for the draft law to tighten the lobbying rules and force much greater disclosure on federal ministers.
- by David Crowe
Opinion
Productivity
It’s time for more sensible thinking about productivity
When will we tire of all the bulldust that’s talked in the name of hastening productivity improvement?
- by Ross Gittins
Exclusive
Power player
‘Modern version of the D Notice’: How the Home Affairs boss tried to stifle press freedom
Michael Pezzullo pushed for the power to censor the media’s reporting of some national security issues after controversial raids on Australian journalists.
- by Michael Bachelard and Nick McKenzie
Exclusive
For subscribers
Crakanthorp family’s $67m property empire revealed
Sacked Labor minister Tim Crakanthorp withheld the true extent of his extended family’s property empire as he sought an exemption to continue lobbying on behalf of a redevelopment.
- by Max Maddison and Carrie Fellner
Ex-minister Stuart Robert to be referred to anti-corruption watchdog
In an interim report, a parliamentary inquiry said the National Anti-Corruption Commission should investigate Robert’s contact with companies that sought major contracts with government agencies he oversaw.
- by David Crowe and Nick McKenzie
Perspective
Government
The hot ticket some MPs get for free: Qantas tops list of gifts
Not all gifts flowing to Queensland MPs are so glamorous, but one company soars above the rest in dishing out what even their six-figure salaries can’t buy.
- by Matt Dennien
Rift in car industry over ‘loophole’ in national electric vehicle scheme
Tesla has accused the automotive industry’s peak lobby group of seeking loopholes that could weaken new fuel pollution limits and slow the uptake of EVs.
- by Mike Foley and Nick Toscano
Perspective
Government
MPs back to parliament after a government walk in a winter blunder land
While the post-budget roadshow gave them a chance to spruik their goods, the government has had anything but a chance to take a breath over the mid-year break.
- by Matt Dennien
Stuart Robert backer has left the country and ‘severed all ties’, inquiry learns
MP Julian Hill said John Margerison’s lawyer had informed the committee the businessman had “severed all ties with the country of Australia many weeks ago!”
- by James Massola