Independent ACT senator David Pocock – a former Wallabies captain – been banned from attending parliament house’s social sports club after raising concern about its sponsorship by the gambling industry.
The former rugby star was on Thursday night told he was no longer welcome at Australian Parliament Sports Club events, and accused of politicising the organisation. He has been removed from group chats discussing its events.
The club told Pocock it was inappropriate for him to remain a member given his public criticisms.
The club on Friday confirmed it had sent the messages to Pocock.
Pocock was one of several crossbench MPS who criticised the gambling lobby’s sponsorship of the federal parliament’s sports club last month, alleging it had paid to secure access to decision-makers and entrench wagering’s close association with sport.
The senator also accused the lobby group, Responsible Wagering Australia, of “shamelessly” trying to claim it was involved with a running group devoted to eliminating suicide, which was hosted by the parliamentary sports club. The peak body has denied that allegation.
The club has also rejected claims the social games are anything other than a chance for politicians and staff to relax and exercise during parliamentary sitting weeks, alongside sponsors who cover costs.
Pocock told Guardian Australia he was dismayed the club had decided to ban a senator who raised concerns about the club’s operations, rather than restrict who can sponsor its operations.
“Being kicked out of the club for raising concerns around gambling lobbyists buying access to the club shows the influence vested interests have here in parliament and just how normalised this has become,” Pocock said.
The club’s chief executive, Andy Turnbull, confirmed he had banned Pocock from the group on Friday morning.
During a senate estimates hearing this week, Pocock questioned the prime minister’s role as chair of the sporting club, given it was registered as a lobby group with clients from the gambling, alcohol and fossil fuels industries.
On Friday morning, Anthony Albanese accused Pocock of “getting himself in a story” and praised the sports club for raising money for charity.
“The amount of time I’ve spent on the Australian parliament sports club this year is zero,” Albanese said.
“I have participated in zero events in terms of sports. Just because I’m a bit busy.”
When concerns were first raised about the sponsorship by lobbyists and their attendance at games, Turnbull suggested they were misplaced.
“Firstly, there is an unwritten rule that no one talks business on the sports pitches. It’s the only time the parliamentarians get any time to relax and not do business, and I work very hard to ensure this is the case,” Turnbull said.
“Secondly, I have always been of the view that the larger the organisation involved, the less likely they are to ‘use’ the club in an inappropriate way. This applies to the RWA who spend their whole lives prosecuting the case for their industry.”
Last month, RWA’s chief executive, Kai Cantwell, said it did not use the club to lobby politicians and that he attended matches “simply to enjoy exercise and socialising – something important for all Australians, particularly in high-pressure roles.”
“RWA’s work on regulation and harm reduction happens through the proper parliamentary and regulatory processes, not on the sporting field,” Kantwell said.
On Monday night, the ABC’s Four Corners program broadcast vision of a soccer match organised by the club and highlighted the presence of RWA among politicians.
On Wednesday afternoon, Turnbull received advice from the attorney-general’s department stating he did not need to register the club on the lobbyist register, as he was not actively lobbying on behalf of sponsors. Turnbull said the decision to list the club last month was done “to be on the safe side”.
But the Centre for Public Integrity’s executive director, Catherine Williams, said the club offered “an invaluable opportunity for monied interests to build relationships with members of parliament and their staff”.
In Australia, Gambling Help Online is available on 1800 858 858. The National Debt Helpline is at 1800 007 007. In the UK, support for problem gambling can be found via the NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic on 020 7381 7722, or GamCare on 0808 8020 133. In the US, call the National Council on Problem Gambling at 800-GAMBLER or text 800GAM.