The polling follows reporting of the Albanese Government's Federal Labor Business Forum, where corporations pay up to $110,000 for privileged access to Government Ministers. Government ministers are also keeping details of the meetings secret by blocking access to ministerial diaries. The Liberal and National parties engage in similar activities, though their own business forums.
Key findings:
- Three in five Australians (63%) think that cash-for-access payments constitute corrupt conduct. Only 12% do not.
- Most Australians think cash-for-access constitutes corrupt conduct, regardless of voting intention.
- Four in five Australians (82%) agree that paying for exclusive access to politicians gives corporations and special interests unfair political influence.
- An overwhelming majority of Australians (78%) agree that politicians should refuse to participate in events where participants with a vested interest in government policies have paid for exclusive access.
"Politicians could improve public faith in democracy by ruling out taking money in a way that most Australians view as corrupt," said Mark Ogge, Principal Advisor at The Australia Institute.
"It's clear that cash-for-access payments completely fail the pub test.
"It's not surprising that trust in our political system is low when the major parties are selling access to corporations vying for special treatment at the expense of ordinary Australians."
YouGov conducted a national survey of 1,541 voters on behalf of The Australia Institute between 2 and 9 October 2025, using an online survey polling methodology. Full details are provided in the methodology statement. The poll is compliant with the Australian Polling Council's requirements.
