Lobbying

Our Money, Their Power: The Lobbies Shaping Our Daily Lives

Series: Who Really Decides? – Taking Back Our Community’s Voice

From the price of broccoli to the pokies in our local pubs, the influence of powerful lobby groups can be felt in almost every aspect of our daily lives. In this final post of our series, we look at two of Australia’s most entrenched lobbying machines: the gambling industry and the supermarket giants.

Their power comes from their ability to influence policy behind closed doors, often blocking common-sense reforms that would benefit our health, our household budgets, and our local businesses.

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When Health Becomes a Profit Centre: Is Our System Working for Us?

Series: Who Really Decides? – Taking Back Our Community’s Voice

We all want a healthcare system that’s there for us when we need it. A system built on care, not on profit. But increasingly, the decisions made in Canberra seem to favour corporate balance sheets over patient wellbeing, leaving our community with longer waiting lists, rising fees, and a public system under pressure.

This isn’t happening by accident. Just like with climate policy, the health sector is another area where powerful, concentrated lobbying can have a huge impact on our daily lives.

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The Invisible Hand on Our Climate: Who's Really Shaping Our Future?

Series: Who Really Decides? – Taking Back Our Community’s Voice

Have you ever wondered why, despite overwhelming public support for climate action, meaningful progress in Canberra seems to move at a snail’s pace? You’re not alone. The answer often lies in a room you’re not invited into, in a conversation you never get to hear.

It’s a story about influence, and it’s time we talked about it.

A Playbook for Delay

The fossil fuel industry has spent decades perfecting a playbook designed to delay and distract. It’s a strategy borrowed directly from the tobacco industry: manufacture doubt, champion “solutions” that are always just over the horizon, and ensure you have unparalleled access to decision-makers.

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