Lobbying Firm Experiences Boom Following Political Transition
Morris Iemma’s lobbying firm has reportedly seen a substantial increase in property developer clients since his political mentee Chris Minns became New South Wales premier, according to recent reports. Iemma Patterson Premier Advisory (IPPA), co-founded by the former Labor premier and former Liberal MP Chris Patterson, has capitalized on the government’s push for extensive planning reforms aimed at addressing the housing crisis.
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The firm, which describes itself as having “an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of government,” has expanded its property sector client base from just 10 developers at the time of the March 2023 election to over 50 currently, sources indicate. This growth coincides with the Minns government’s policy of encouraging medium- and high-density housing throughout Sydney, creating what analysts suggest represents a significant business opportunity for lobbying firms with government connections.
Political Connections and Government Access
Iemma’s relationship with Premier Minns spans nearly a decade, with the former premier serving as a key political mentor since before Minns first ran for the state seat of Kogarah in 2015. According to the report, Iemma played a crucial role in Minns’s 2023 re-election campaign in his marginal seat, working alongside former member Cherie Burton to secure victory.
The connections extend beyond the premier’s relationship with Iemma. Two of Iemma’s sons previously worked on Minns’s staff, though it’s understood they haven’t held these positions for at least six months. Additionally, Iemma was appointed chair of Venues NSW by the cabinet following a panel assessment process, a role for which he was reportedly deemed qualified.
Understanding the mechanisms of government influence and lobbying provides context for how advisory firms operate within political systems.
Documented Meetings and Client Access
Ministerial diaries reveal that Premier Minns has held 41 meetings with developers or developer organizations since taking office, with ten of these involving clients represented by Iemma. Only one meeting notation specifically records Iemma’s presence with a client, though the diaries don’t capture social or political party discussions between the two former colleagues.
A spokesperson for the premier 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.
The current government administration under Premier Minns has made housing supply a central policy focus since taking office.
Department-Level Engagement Strategy
According to reports, Iemma has explained that his firm’s preferred method involves engaging with departmental officials rather than ministers directly. In a 2024 interview cited by the Australian Financial Review, Iemma stated that “our preferred method of working with clients and advising them on how government works is to go to the officials who are responsible for the policies.”
This approach appears reflected in planning department records, which show Iemma and his clients dominated meetings with planning officials—accounting for 14 of 24 meetings in 2024 and 9 of 19 meetings in 2025 through April. These meetings typically concerned specific development sites and included requests for zoning changes, increased building heights, and adjustments to affordable housing requirements.
Broader Industry Influence Networks
The development industry’s access to government extends beyond Iemma’s firm, the report indicates. Tom Forrest, CEO of Urban Taskforce and former chief of staff to Iemma during his premiership, has maintained a longstanding relationship with Minns. Similarly, Stuart Ayres, former Liberal MP and current CEO of the Urban Development Institute of Australia, has developed a friendly relationship with the premier despite their different political affiliations.
Both Forrest and Ayres have held multiple meetings with Minns on planning matters since he became premier, according to the disclosed diaries. This network of influence operates within the framework of the established political party structures that govern NSW.
Contrast in Stakeholder Engagement
While developers and their representatives have had extensive access to the premier, the report notes that Minns has held no documented meetings with environmental or community groups concerned about development impacts. Only three meetings with social and affordable housing representatives appear in the diaries, alongside occasional meetings with Labor-controlled councils.
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This disparity in access has raised questions about whose voices are prioritized in the planning reform process, even as the government pursues ambitious housing supply targets. The political career of Morris Iemma demonstrates how former officials often transition to advisory roles after public service.
Industry Developments and Global Context
The situation in New South Wales reflects broader industry developments in how governments interact with private sector stakeholders during policy transitions. Similar patterns of increased lobbying activity often accompany major regulatory changes across various sectors worldwide.
Recent market trends in advisory services show that firms with government experience frequently capitalize on their expertise during periods of policy reform. The value of political connections in navigating bureaucratic processes represents a consistent feature across different jurisdictions and policy areas.
As governments worldwide address complex challenges from housing to energy, the interplay between public policy and private influence continues to evolve, with related innovations in governance and compliance emerging in response. The partnership between Chris Patterson and Iemma exemplifies how bipartisan political experience can create unique value propositions in the advisory sector.
This report is based on analysis of publicly available documents and third-party reporting. All claims are attributed to their original sources.
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