When most new parliamentarians make their way to Canberra, they know very few people. Far from friends and family, a warm email from the Parliamentary Sports Club – one of the first many MPs receive – encouraging them to join and take part in social sport seems like an exciting opportunity.

Since the early 2000s, it has operated along the sidelines of parliament, an unofficial club organising matches for MPs, their staff, journalists, and a select few from the private sector across a number of codes. With a small membership of around 100, and a fee of just $275 per three-year parliamentary term to cover uniforms and insurance, joining is a no-brainer.

However, earlier this month private questions over the club’s corporate sponsorship by fossil fuel companies, alcohol lobbyists, and gambl

See Full Page