The revelation is the latest illustration of the secret and lucrative lobbying efforts by the gambling industry, which has lined the pockets of both major political parties over many years.
Membership of the forum costs up to $110,000 per year and offers varying degrees of tiered access to key politicians. The lunch was labelled a “policy briefing” with Ms Rowland, who has a key role in gaming policy, and was teed up by Labor’s corporate fundraising arm known as the Federal Labor Business Forum, according to sources. Responsible Wagering Australia – which represents Sportsbet, Ladbrokes, and Bet365 – paid for the November 16 lunch at Society Restaurant.Ĭommunications Minister Michelle Rowland. Gambling executives hosted Communications Minister Michelle Rowland at a lavish lunch on her birthday last year in the private dining room of one of Melbourne’s best restaurants.
