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Lobbying Firm’s Client Base Expands Amid Planning Changes
Morris Iemma’s lobbying firm has reportedly experienced substantial growth in its property development client roster since his political mentee Chris Minns became New South Wales premier, according to government records and media reports. Iemma Patterson Premier Advisory (IPPA), where the former Labor premier and former Liberal MP Chris Patterson serve as principals, has added at least 40 property sector clients since the March 2023 election.
The firm, which describes itself as having “an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of government,” had only 10 property developers on its books before the election, alongside clients from healthcare, energy, and technology industries. Sources indicate the Minns government’s explicit policy of encouraging medium- and high-density housing throughout Sydney has created favorable conditions for lobbying firms with government connections.
Political Connections and Government Access
Analysts suggest Iemma’s unique position as Minns’s longtime political mentor provides his firm with advantages few other lobbyists can match. According to reports, Iemma has been Minns’s political sounding board since before Minns first ran for the state seat of Kogarah in 2015. In his maiden speech, Minns reportedly thanked Iemma by name for his role in the premier’s political transformation from staffer to parliamentarian.
The connections extend beyond the lobbying relationship. Iemma was appointed chair of Venues NSW by the Minns ministry, and two of Iemma’s sons previously worked on Minns’s staff, though it’s understood they no longer hold these positions. A spokesperson for the premier defended these appointments, stating they were made on merit following proper processes.
Meeting Patterns Raise Questions
Ministerial diaries reveal that Minns has held 41 meetings with developers or developer organizations since taking office, with ten of these involving Iemma’s clients. However, only one diary entry records Iemma being present with a client during these meetings. According to the report, Minns has held no meetings with environmental or community groups concerned about development, and only three meetings with groups representing social and affordable housing.
The premier’s spokesperson stated that “housing is the top priority of the NSW government, it should surprise no one that the premier and relevant ministers regularly meet with a range of stakeholders.” The spokesperson emphasized that meetings are disclosed as required and conflicts of interest are managed according to established processes.
Department-Level Influence
Iemma previously told the Australian Financial Review that his firm prefers working with departmental officials rather than ministers, stating this approach aligns with their method of operation. Records from the planning department’s register of interactions with third-party lobbyists appear to support this claim, showing Iemma and his clients dominated meetings in both 2024 and 2025.
In 2024, 14 of 24 recorded meetings were with Iemma and his clients, while in 2025, the proportion was nine of 19 meetings. These meetings typically concerned specific development sites and included requests for building height increases, zoning changes, reduced affordable housing quotas, and state intervention over councils. Iemma has stated that all meetings comply with rigorous ethics and rules governing lobbying practices.
Broader Industry Access
The development industry’s access to government extends beyond Iemma’s firm, according to reports. Tom Forrest, chief executive of Urban Taskforce and former chief of staff to Iemma during his premiership, has held several meetings with Minns on planning matters. Stuart Ayres, former Liberal MP and CEO of the Urban Development Institute of Australia, has also met with the premier despite coming from the opposite side of politics.
These relationships highlight how Australian Labor Party connections and cross-party networks can influence policy development during significant governmental overhauls. As the planning reforms continue to evolve, observers will be watching how these relationships affect outcomes across various sectors, including industry developments and related innovations in urban development.
Context and Precedents
The situation reflects broader patterns in Australian politics where former politicians often transition into lobbying roles. Morris Iemma‘s career path follows this established trajectory, though the timing and scale of his firm’s growth following his protégé’s election has drawn particular attention from transparency advocates.
Similar patterns of influence can be observed in other sectors, including recent technology advancements and market trends in various industries. The ongoing situation in NSW parallels political developments elsewhere where close relationships between government officials and private interests have raised questions about transparency and access.
As the planning overhaul progresses, the government faces increasing scrutiny regarding its engagement with various stakeholders. The concentration of meetings with development industry representatives, compared to limited engagement with community and environmental groups, continues to be a point of discussion among policy analysts and transparency advocates monitoring the situation.
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