Advertisement

‘Pay $10,000, that gets you dinner’: Sean Kelly on how power is shaping politics

In Australian politics, access can be bought, factions can operate beyond public view and conduct can be deeply troubling without ever meeting the definition of corruption.

None of it is especially new, and maybe that’s the problem.

Meanwhile, people are becoming more disconnected from the institutions that shape their lives and less convinced that those institutions are working in their interests.

Today, columnist for The Age and SMH Sean Kelly the discusses the money, secrecy and private power shaping our politics, and what happens when voters stop trusting the system itself.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Columnist for The Age and SMH Sean Kelly

Want to see more stories from The New Daily in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set The New Daily as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "The New Daily". That's it.
Advertisement
Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter.
Copyright © 2026 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.