Dozens of defence insiders now lobbying for the industry, analysis shows
New analysis by Four Corners shows the scale of Canberra's revolving door, where former government officials accept lucrative jobs in lobbying or the defence industry.
Former defence officials, including ministers, officers and senior staffers, are increasingly moving into lobbying firms or the defence sector, according to Four Corners' analysis. Critics argue this revolving door creates an unfair advantage for former officials, who use their connections to potentially influence the awarding of multimillion-dollar contracts.
New data reveals the scale of this practice, prompting calls for stricter transparency and lobbying rules. One such ex-minister now lobbying is Christopher Pyne, a Liberal MP who co-founded lobbying firm Pyne & Partners within months of retiring from politics in 2019. Pyne claims the firm is now the fifth largest in Australia, specializing in defence and infrastructure sectors.
He believes lobbying is a natural career path for former parliamentarians, given their extensive knowledge of the political system. However, Independent MP Monique Ryan contends that Pyne's inside knowledge gained from years in parliament should be subject to tighter regulations and increased transparency. Other former defence officials, such as former Liberal senator David Johnston and Labor minister Kim Beazley, have also joined lobbying firms.
Some, like former Labor defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon, serve in advisory roles for lobbying companies. At least 60 former defence officials have reportedly transitioned into the weapons and lobbying industries. This revolving door phenomenon is particularly concerning for Australia's AUKUS defense agreement, which is expected to cost $368 billion over its lifetime.
Greens defence spokesperson David Shoebridge warns that the deal could become a feast for lobbyists, with lucrative contracts and opportunities for former officials. Senior defense officials, such as Lockheed Martin's new Australian and New Zealand chief executive, Major General Jeremy King, have also made the transition to the private sector.
Despite leaving the defense force within a week of taking the job at Lockheed Martin, King's appointment is seen as beneficial by Admiral David Johnston, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of this revolving door issue in Australian politics.
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