Thanks to recent queries from an independent senator, we now know that nearly 1,800 people have been granted access to lobby our federal government. The kicker? We don’t know who they are. 

Under a system that is now under great scrutiny, these people have unfettered access to the private corridors of Parliament House in Canberra. With their bright orange passes granted to them by politicians, they have the ability to wander into the offices of ministers, backbenchers and independents at any hour.

Today, chief political correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, David Crowe, on why we are prevented from knowing who is influencing those in power, and just how serious a threat this might be to our democracy.

Thanks to recent queries from an independent senator, we now know that nearly 1,800 people have been granted access to lobby our federal government. The kicker? We don’t know who they are. 
Under a system that is now under great scrutiny, these people have unfettered access to the private corridors of Parliament House in Canberra. With their bright orange passes granted to them by politicians, they have the ability to wander into the offices of ministers, backbenchers and independents at any hour.
Today, chief political correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, David Crowe, on why we are prevented from knowing who is influencing those in power, and just how serious a threat this might be to our democracy.

The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

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