No such thing as a free lunch

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The conventional wisdom among many parliamentarians is that disclosing a gift or complimentary service removes any conflict of interest or corruption risk. Disclosure is seen as some sort of holy water that cleanses the act.

But even where a freebie has been disclosed the recipient is still left indebted to the vested interest that provided it. The science behind this is the norm of reciprocity: when someone gives you something it creates a psychological obligation to return the favour. While this social convention is not usually a problem when friends and family exchange gifts or provide hospitality, it is abused by lobby groups, companies, and foreign governments to try and inappropriately influence public officials.

Voters are the losers.

• Gambling industry sprays hospitality and gifts
• Junkets and influence
• Flying high: How politicians travel in style

Proposed ban

Open Politics’ proposed ban would prohibit parliamentarians and their families from accepting valuable benefits like airline lounge memberships, complimentary flight upgrades, subsided and free flights, free accommodation and room upgrades, TV subscriptions, and tickets and hospitality to sports and entertainment events.

That would mean no more access to Qantas Chairman’s, junkets, upgrades to first and business class, and tickets to grand finals, the Melbourne Cup Birdcage, musicals, and other high-priced events.

The ban would also apply to ministerial and electoral staff, public servants, and everyone else on the Commonwealth payroll.

The ban would not prohibit: 

• Gifts of nominal or token value such as notepads, pens, calendars, mugs, and sample packs that parliamentarians typically receive at functions and in the mail.
• Hospitality like drinks and meals in the context of parliamentarians’ normal duties – for example, when speaking to community groups and local businesses or meeting foreign officials.
• Sponsored surface transport in circumstances where it is the only practical means of reaching a location (say, to a remote community, mine, or marine facility).
• Ceremonial gifts from foreign officials where refusal might cause offence, provided they are surrendered to Parliament or, in the case of ministers, to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.



In short, parliamentarians would not be allowed to accept gifts unless of nominal value, or travel and hospitality unless it is reasonable and directly tied to their official duties.

How you can help

Open Politics emailed all MPs and senators this week to ask whether they support in principle our proposed ban, subject to a parliamentary review to examine the scope of any ban and how it would be implemented and enforced.

Responses are being published at the bottom of this page as they’re received.

We don’t expect many to respond favourably, which is why it’s important for them to hear directly from their constituents. If you support our proposal, please tell your local MP and senators and ask them to support the introduction of a ban in the next parliament.




We encourage you to spread the word by sharing this article on social media and with your family and friends. And if you get a response please let us know.

Responses so far