Independent senator David Pocock, a former captain of the Wallabies, has been declared persona non grata by the Parliament Sports Club, after he complained about its sponsors including a gambling lobbyist.
Pocock, who represents the ACT, said on Friday he had recently brought to light that lobbyists were “buying access to parliamentarians” through $2500 club sponsorships. The club was on the official lobbyists register, he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is the club’s president, Special Minister of State Don Farrell is its chairman, and it has an executive officer, Andy Turnbull. It organises social sporting events for parliamentarians, including touch football and soccer when parliament is sitting.
