Federal Coalition MP Stuart Robert has denied secretly helping or advising a Canberra lobbying and consulting firm that helps companies secure lucrative government contracts.
A cache of leaked emails shows how Mr Robert in 2017 and 2018 helped Synergy 360 sign up corporate clients to help them navigate the public service and political system and meet key decision-makers, Nine newspapers allege.
That included providing access to senior Coalition ministers, including Peter Dutton.
The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald say they are not suggesting Mr Robert was an employee of Synergy 360 or was paid for his advice and assistance.
Synergy 360 is paid a retainer by companies to lobby officials and is paid a commission if a contract is successfully secured.
The Nine newspapers say the leaked emails show Mr Robert introduced Synergy 360 to overseas officials and businessmen whom he met in his official capacity as an MP.
The code of conduct under then prime minister Scott Morrison said ministers should ensure dealings with lobbyists “do not give rise to a conflict between public duty and private interest”.
There is no similar code for backbenchers. Mr Robert was a backbencher in 2017 and 2018.
Nine newspapers reported Mr Robert denied helping or advising Synergy 360 in its work with any companies that were trying to secure government contracts.
Labor minister Ed Husic said the serious allegations required a response containing full detail.
“How many people Mr Robert may have recommended to meet with Mr Dutton, and how many of those meetings actually did occur? … these are some of the most serious allegations you can put to a member of parliament,” he told the ABC.
“It is very concerning and there’ll be an expectation on the opposition to provide information that is legitimately being asked and I imagine will be asked by members of the Australian public.”
AAP is seeking comment from Mr Robert.
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