Many business sectors depend heavily on government favours and regulations. They include miners,property developers,road contractors,liquor and gambling industries. Not surprisingly they are the largest political donors who seek favourable government approvals.
John Menadue is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Pearls and Irritations. He was formerly Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet under Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser, Ambassador to Japan, Secretary of the Department of Immigration and CEO of Qantas.