Australian Parliament to Tighten Lobbyist Access, PM Albanese Announces

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to tighten restrictions on political lobbyists' unfettered access to the halls of power in the Australian parliament. In a letter to the House Speaker and Senate President, Albanese has outlined the need for a review of the policies governing access to the building's private areas, seeking greater transparency and rigour in the system of sponsored passes that currently allow lobbyists unrestricted movement.

The move comes amid concerns over the influence of free-roaming lobbyists within the Australian political landscape. Albanese has suggested that the upcoming review will focus on enhancing security measures and ensuring more accountability for those granted coveted orange passes that provide unrestricted access to the parliament.