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Political Connections and Property Development Intersect
As the New South Wales government embarks on its most significant planning law reforms in two decades, former Premier Morris Iemma’s lobbying firm has experienced remarkable growth. Iemma Patterson Premier Advisory (IPPA), co-founded by Iemma and former Liberal MP Chris Patterson, has seen its property development client roster expand dramatically since Chris Minns—Iemma’s political protégé—assumed the premiership in March 2023.
The firm, which describes itself as having “an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of government,” has capitalized on the Minns government’s explicit policy of encouraging medium- and high-density housing throughout Sydney. According to the NSW lobbyists register, IPPA has added at least 40 new property sector clients since the election, compared to just 10 property developers on its books previously.
Unique Access and Political History
Iemma brings a unique selling proposition that few other lobbyists can match. Along with federal MP Chris Bowen, he has served as Minns’s political mentor since before Minns first ran for the state seat of Kogarah in 2015. In his maiden speech, Minns specifically thanked Iemma by name for his guidance during the transition from political staffer to elected official.
The relationship extends beyond professional boundaries. Iemma’s sons previously worked on Minns’s staff, though it’s understood they haven’t held those positions for at least six months. Additionally, Iemma was appointed chair of Venues NSW by cabinet following a panel assessment process, further cementing his ongoing involvement in public administration.
Meeting Patterns and Industry Influence
Ministerial diaries reveal that Minns has held 41 meetings with developers or developer organizations since taking office, with ten of these involving Iemma’s clients. The premier’s spokesperson defended these interactions, stating: “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.”
However, the meeting distribution has raised questions about balanced representation. Minns has held no meetings with environmental or community groups concerned about development, and only three meetings with groups representing social and affordable housing. This pattern suggests a particular focus on industry developments rather than broader community consultation.
Planning Department Interactions
The planning department’s register of interactions with third-party lobbyists shows Iemma and IPPA clients dominating the meeting schedules. In 2024, 14 of 24 meetings were with Iemma and his clients, while in 2025, the proportion remained high at 9 of 19 meetings.
These meetings typically concern specific development sites—including Kurnell, Marsden Park, Westmead private hospital, and Crows Nest—and often involve requests for increased building heights, zoning changes, reduced affordable housing quotas, or state intervention over local councils.
Broader Industry Connections
Beyond Iemma’s firm, the development industry maintains other significant channels to government. Tom Forrest, chief executive of Urban Taskforce and former chief of staff to Iemma during his premiership, represents another connection point. Similarly, Stuart Ayres, former Liberal MP for Penrith and current CEO of the Urban Development Institute of Australia, has developed a friendly relationship with Minns despite their political differences.
Both Forrest and Ayres have held multiple meetings with Minns on planning matters since he became premier, according to ministerial diaries. This network of influence demonstrates how market trends in government relations often transcend traditional political boundaries.
Operational Approach and Ethical Considerations
Iemma has previously explained his firm’s methodology, telling the Australian Financial Review that most meetings occur with planning officials rather than ministers directly. “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 stated.
He emphasized that all meetings comply with rigorous ethics rules and that focusing on departmental officials rather than ministers represents a strategic choice to engage with those directly responsible for policy implementation. This approach to navigating bureaucracy reflects broader recent technology in government relations strategy.
Broader Implications and Industry Context
The concentration of development industry influence through well-connected lobbying firms raises questions about transparency and balanced policymaking. While the government’s housing supply goals require industry cooperation, the apparent imbalance in stakeholder access suggests potential challenges in achieving comprehensive policy outcomes that serve all community interests.
This situation in NSW reflects global patterns where related innovations in governance and industry relations continue to evolve. As planning reforms progress, the relationship between government priorities, industry access, and community representation will remain a critical area for observation and analysis.
The spokesperson for the premier emphasized that conflicts of interest are managed according to established processes, and meetings are disclosed as required. However, the concentration of access through specific channels with historical political connections continues to draw attention as the government advances its ambitious planning overhaul.
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