Independent senator David Pocock has been banned from Parliament's social sports club after raising concerns about its association with the gambling lobby, according to text messages seen by Guardian Australia. The club's chief executive, Andy Turnbull, told Pocock he was no longer welcome at events, accusing him of politicising the organisation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticised the ban, calling for Pocock to be allowed to play, but dismissed concerns about lobbying as 'absurd'. 'The idea that parliamentarians voluntarily playing sport has any impact equivalent to lobbying is absurd, but participation should be open to everyone,' Albanese said.
Pocock, a former Wallabies captain, had questioned the club's listing as a lobbyist group representing gambling, alcohol, and fossil fuel companies, and asked whether it was appropriate for the prime minister to be its president. He was removed from group chats shortly after being banned.
Mark Moray, secretary of Unions NSW and founder of Labor for Gambling Reform, said Pocock raised 'legitimate questions' about the influence of the gambling lobby. 'How can you raise these issues and then be kicked out of a club?' Moray said. 'It's a legitimate question and it is about influence.'
Several crossbench MPs resigned from the club in protest, including Allegra Spender, who described the ban as 'an absolute disgrace', and Sophie Scamps, who criticised the club for offering corporate sponsors access to key opinion leaders. The club and Responsible Wagering Australia deny any lobbying occurs during games.
