Big Tobacco, Big Coal, Big Banks: The Lobbyists Charming our Leaders
Mar 10, 2026 •
Independent MP Monique Ryan can remember a time in Australian politics when small breaches could cost a career.
Now she says we’ve been gradually conditioned to tolerate corruption and the loss of transparency in parliament.
Over recent years, there has been a marked increase in the number of lobbyists with access to Parliament House. Literally thousands move through the building, meeting politicians and staffers; often leaving little public trace of who they’ve spoken to and why.
Today, Independent MP, Monique Ryan on the thousands of lobbyists roaming the halls of Parliament House and the system she says allows them to influence, behind closed doors, the decisions that affect us all.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Big Tobacco, Big Coal, Big Banks: The Lobbyists Charming our Leaders
1844 • Mar 10, 2026
Big Tobacco, Big Coal, Big Banks: The Lobbyists Charming our Leaders
Independent MP Monique Ryan can remember a time in Australian politics when small breaches could cost a career.
Now she says we’ve been gradually conditioned to tolerate corruption and the loss of transparency in parliament.
Over recent years, there has been a marked increase in the number of lobbyists with access to Parliament House. Literally thousands move through the building, meeting politicians and staffers; often leaving little public trace of who they’ve spoken to and why.
Today, Independent MP, Monique Ryan on the thousands of lobbyists roaming the halls of Parliament House and the system she says allows them to influence, behind closed doors, the decisions that affect us all.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Dr Monique Ryan, Independent MP
Listen and subscribe in your favourite podcast app (it's free).
7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.
It’s made by Arielle Richards, Atticus Bastow, Chris Dengate, Daniel James, Krystal Keller, Nicole Johnston, Travis Evans and Zoltan Fecso.
Our theme music is by Ned Beckley and Josh Hogan of Envelope Audio.