Independent Senator David Pocock was expelled from the Parliamentary Sports Club after questioning its sponsorship by Responsible Wagering Australia and its registration as a lobbying entity during Senate estimates hearings.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the club’s president, intervened to urge Pocock’s reinstatement, calling the ban excessive, leading to a reinvitation by Thursday evening.
Independent MPs Monique Ryan and Allegra Spender resigned from the club in protest over its gambling industry ties, highlighting concerns about lobbying influence in Parliament House.
There it is folks. Gambling industry lobby captures the federal Parliamentary Sports Club. Influence peddling at its finest .. just like the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge. Let’s sool @mrjoeaston on to this one. Who knows where it will lead.
What an absolute disgrace that former Wallaby, Senator David Pocock has been excluded from the Parliamentary Sports Club because he raised concerns about the club’s links to the gambling industry.l