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The Lobbying Gold Rush Following NSW’s Planning Revolution
As the New South Wales government embarks on its most significant planning reforms in two decades, former premier Morris Iemma’s advisory firm has experienced an unprecedented surge in property developer clients. Iemma Patterson Premier Advisory (IPPA), co-founded by Iemma and former Liberal MP Chris Patterson, has expanded its property sector client roster from just 10 developers to over 50 since Chris Minns became premier in March 2023.
The firm’s unique selling proposition lies in what it describes as “an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of government and the bureaucracy that drives the decision making processes in the state.” This expertise has become particularly valuable as the Minns government pushes forward with its ambitious policy of encouraging medium- and high-density housing throughout Sydney, creating what industry observers call a perfect storm for lobbying influence.
The Personal and Political Connections
Iemma’s relationship with Premier Minns extends back years before Minns’ political career began. Along with federal MP Chris Bowen, Iemma served as Minns’ political mentor since before his 2015 run for the state seat of Kogarah. In his maiden speech, Minns specifically thanked Iemma by name for his guidance during the transition from political staffer to elected official.
The connections run deeper than mere political advice. Iemma has been appointed chair of Venues NSW following a panel assessment process, while two of his sons previously worked on Minns’ staff. Though both sons have since moved on from these positions, the network illustrates the interconnected nature of political and advisory roles in the current landscape.
These developments highlight how strategic positioning within government relations can significantly impact business outcomes across multiple sectors.
Meeting Patterns and Access Points
Ministerial diaries reveal that since taking office, Minns has held 41 meetings with developers or developer organizations, with ten of these involving Iemma’s clients. Only one meeting officially recorded Iemma’s presence alongside his client, though the diaries capture only official meetings seeking government benefits, excluding social or party-political discussions.
The planning department’s register shows even more pronounced patterns. In 2024, 14 of 24 meetings with third-party lobbyists involved Iemma and his clients, while in 2025, the ratio stood at 9 out of 19 meetings. These sessions typically addressed specific development sites and policy applications, including requests for increased building heights, zoning changes, and reduced affordable housing requirements.
This concentration of access raises questions about how government decision-making processes balance diverse stakeholder interests in major policy reforms.
The Broader Influence Network
Beyond Iemma’s firm, the development industry maintains additional access points to government. Tom Forrest, CEO of Urban Taskforce and former chief of staff to Iemma during his premiership, represents another longstanding connection to Minns. Similarly, Stuart Ayres, former Liberal MP and current CEO of the Urban Development Institute of Australia, has developed a relationship with Minns despite their different political affiliations.
Iemma has publicly defended his firm’s approach, telling the Australian Financial Review that most meetings occur with planning officials rather than ministers, reflecting a strategy of engaging with the bureaucracy responsible for policy implementation. “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 and [who] advise government,” Iemma explained.
These relationships demonstrate how political stability and connections can significantly influence business environments and regulatory outcomes.
Transparency and Accountability Measures
A spokesperson for Premier Minns emphasized 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 noted that meetings are disclosed as required and conflicts of interest managed according to established processes.
However, critics point to the imbalance in meeting distribution. While developers have enjoyed extensive access, Minns has held no meetings with environmental or community groups concerned about development impacts, and only three meetings with social and affordable housing representatives. This disparity highlights ongoing debates about stakeholder representation in policy formulation.
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The situation in NSW reflects broader governance challenges facing governments worldwide as they balance rapid development against community interests and transparent decision-making.
Industry Response and Future Implications
The development industry argues that close consultation is necessary given the government’s ambitious housing targets and the complex planning reforms underway. With Sydney ranking as the world’s second most expensive city, the pressure to increase housing supply has never been greater.
Yet the concentration of lobbying access through connected firms raises questions about whether the current system adequately represents diverse perspectives. As corporate governance standards evolve globally, the NSW situation offers a case study in managing perceived conflicts of interest in major policy implementation.
The ongoing planning overhaul and its accompanying lobbying boom represent a critical test for the Minns government’s commitment to both housing delivery and transparent governance. As these governance challenges continue to unfold, the balance between efficient policy implementation and inclusive decision-making will remain under close scrutiny by stakeholders across the political spectrum.
For those interested in the intersection of policy and business influence, this comprehensive analysis provides additional context on how political connections translate into business opportunities during periods of significant regulatory change.
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