Full Story What Pocock’s ban from parliament’s sport club says about lobbying
Oct 13, 2025
In this engaging discussion, senior reporter Henry Belot delves into the controversy surrounding Senator David Pocock's ban from the parliamentary sports club. He reveals how a LinkedIn post sparked his investigation into gambling lobbyists. Pocock's probing questions about club sponsorship caught the attention of many, leading to his temporary exclusion. Belot also explores the absurdity of banning an elite athlete and the broader implications of lobbyists using social events to gain influence. Pocock's ongoing push for gambling reform highlights the need for transparency and accountability.
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How The Story Was Discovered
- Henry Belot found the story after spotting a Responsible Wagering Australia LinkedIn post showing lobbyists running at Parliament House with a suicide-prevention charity.
- He connected the timing of the post to upcoming inquests and saw competing agendas worth investigating.
Pocock’s Questions Triggered A Backlash
- David Pocock probed the Parliamentary Sports Club after Henry's reporting and found it listed gambling and other industries as formal sponsors and registered as a lobbying entity.
- That questioning at Senate Estimates triggered the club to ban Pocock, escalating the story.
Social Sport As Soft Power
- Lobbying relies heavily on informal influence and personal relationships built in social settings like sports events, not just formal meetings.
- Sponsoring a sports club gives lobbyists repeated access to decision-makers and soft power that can influence future policy decisions.