The ‘Oscars for political nerds’ or a threat to democracy? Grab a ticket, it’s Canberra’s budget fundraiser season

Independent ACT senator David Pocock said ‘cash-for-access’ type of federal budget events distorted public policymaking and were ‘bad for democracy’. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

They’re dismissed as boring, little more than a “selfie” opportunity for economy nerds – or even labelled a threat to democracy.

But as budget week approaches, the major parties are once again spruiking fundraising dinners and drinks for their most loyal followers – and slugging them for thousands of dollars.