Lobbyist with former ministerial ties routinely occupies Parliament House break rooms

Inside Parliament House, a senior staff member alerted officials after spotting lobbyist Kai Cantwell in a Senate break room, where he was conducting a Zoom call. Cantwell, now chief executive of Responsible Wagering Australia, previously served as chief of staff to former Social Services minister Anne Ruston during the Morrison administration, illustrating the “revolving door” that moves former officials into lobbying roles.

As an industry association, RWA is not required to appear on the public lobbyist register, meaning its staff are not bound by the Commonwealth Lobbying Code of Conduct. Lobbyists like Cantwell gain entry to secure corridors and areas such as the Aussies café by swiping an orange (soon to be light-blue) pass, a privilege now requiring sponsorship by two parliamentarians. Independent senators and MPs, including Monique Ryan, Mike Freelander and Simon Kennedy, argue that lobbyists outnumber elected officials and call for tighter transparency rules. Recent gambling-law reforms passed by the Albanese government were seen by critics as a concession to the gambling lobby, reinforcing concerns about the sector’s sway over federal policy.