{"id":550,"date":"2026-08-18T07:49:55","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T21:49:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/words\/2026\/08\/18\/political-gadgets-news-2026-08-18\/"},"modified":"2026-08-18T07:49:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T21:49:55","slug":"political-gadgets-news-2026-08-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/words\/2026\/08\/18\/political-gadgets-news-2026-08-18\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2699\ufe0f Political Gadgets News | Tuesday, 18 August 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"NewsArticle\",\n  \"headline\": \"\u2699\ufe0f Political Gadgets News | Tuesday, 18 August 2026\",\n  \"datePublished\": \"2026-08-18T07:49:16.085401+10:00\",\n  \"dateModified\": \"2026-08-18T07:49:16.085401+10:00\",\n  \"author\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Political Gadgets\",\n    \"url\": \"https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\"\n  },\n  \"publisher\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Political Gadgets\",\n    \"logo\": {\n      \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/words\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pignew-1.png\"\n    }\n  },\n  \"description\": \"Daily Australian political transparency digest for Tuesday, 18 August 2026: Register of Interests: Jane Hume (VIC) \u2014 interests updated. Includes contracts,...\",\n  \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n    \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/words\/2026\/08\/18\/political-gadgets-news-2026-08-18\/\"\n  },\n  \"about\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n      \"name\": \"Australian Federal Politics\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n      \"name\": \"Parliamentary Expenses\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n      \"name\": \"Political Donations\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n      \"name\": \"Government Contracts\"\n    }\n  ],\n  \"keywords\": \"$1.4, Donations Data Has Changed, Parliament House Awards, Million Bollard Maintenance Contract, Security Fencing Specialist, Consultant Tenders, Fed Govt Outsourced, Politician Expenses, Double Donors\",\n  \"image\": \"https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/words\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pignew-1.png\"\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 16px;\">Today&#8217;s Political Gadgets digest covers: Register of Interests: Jane Hume (VIC) \u2014 interests updated; Parliament: sitting; MP expenses: Rick Wilson (O&#8217;Connor, Lib) \u2014 $1,021,446 over 4 quarters; Political advertising: Google $12,150 (YTD $3,274,800); Facebook $75,162 (YTD $4,420,817).<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#f0f4f8;border:1px solid #ccc;border-radius:10px;padding:16px 20px;margin-bottom:20px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;font-weight:bold;\">Today&#8217;s digest includes:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin:0;padding-left:20px;\">\n<li>Register of Interests: Jane Hume (VIC) \u2014 interests updated<\/li>\n<li>Parliament: sitting<\/li>\n<li>MP expenses: Rick Wilson (O&#8217;Connor, Lib) \u2014 $1,021,446 over 4 quarters<\/li>\n<li>Political advertising: Google $12,150 (YTD $3,274,800); Facebook $75,162 (YTD $4,420,817)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- Preview Text --><\/p>\n<div style=\"display:none; max-height:0px; overflow:hidden; opacity:0; color:transparent;\">\n  Today\u2019s snapshot of money, votes, donations and more.\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"max-width:640px; margin:0 auto; padding:16px;\">\n <!-- Masthead --><\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#fff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:16px 18px; margin-bottom:18px;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:12px; letter-spacing:1px; text-transform:uppercase; color:#444; text-align:center;\">\n    Machinery for democracy\n  <\/div>\n<div style=\"border-top:2px solid #111; margin:10px 0 8px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size:38px; line-height:1.05; font-weight:700; color:#111; text-align:center;\">\n    Political Gadgets News\n  <\/div>\n<div style=\"border-top:1px solid #111; margin:8px 0 10px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:12px; color:#444; text-align:center;\">\n    Sydney \u2022 Tuesday, 18 August 2026 \u2022 Daily Edition \u2022 politicalgadgets.com\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 6px; color:#333;\">Bluesky says aged care funding cuts dominate #auspol discourse as Labor faces mounting criticism over algorithmic rationing.<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px; color:#888; margin:0 0 14px;\">BlueSky #auspol &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; 18 August 2026, 05:29 AEST &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; 534 posts &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; AI-generated<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 12px;\">Labor&#8217;s decision to deploy an algorithm to determine aged care funding has sparked sustained backlash across Bluesky, with comparisons to the robodebt scandal dominating the 24-hour conversation. A Four Corners investigation aired Monday night, exposing cases where elderly Australians received no home help despite significant needs\u2014triggering hundreds of posts condemning the government&#8217;s approach as mechanistic and cruel. Posts framed the policy as a betrayal of vulnerable seniors, with users questioning how a computerised system can replace human assessment of individual circumstances.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 12px;\">Key Issues: The aged care algorithm controversy eclipsed most other political terrain, though gambling reform &#8220;opt-out&#8221; provisions also drew fire for favouring industry over consumers; superannuation proposals from One Nation and Coalition attacks on compulsory super generated fierce debate, with Labor defending the retirement scheme; and AUKUS continued to attract criticism, with several posts linking defence spending to social service cuts and questioning Australia&#8217;s alliance with an unpredictable Trump administration.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 12px;\">A standout exchange involved users describing the aged care algorithm as &#8220;Robodebt 2.0,&#8221; with one post receiving 111 reposts arguing &#8220;algorithms have no place in this field. None.&#8221; The overall tone was one of frustration and betrayal, with voters expressing despair at Labor&#8217;s failure to deliver meaningful reform while directing resources toward military commitments rather than vulnerable Australians.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px; color:#555; border-top:1px solid #eee; padding-top:10px; margin:14px 0 0;\">Top topics: <strong style=\"color:#333;\">Aged Care Funding Algorithm<\/strong> &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#333;\">Gambling Reform Provisions<\/strong> &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#333;\">Superannuation Policy<\/strong> &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#333;\">AUKUS Defence Spending<\/strong> &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#333;\">Robodebt Scandal Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:11px; color:#999; font-style:italic; margin:12px 0 0;\">AI-generated from BlueSky #auspol posts.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                Donations Data Has Changed \u2014 +4 rows in 2024-25 &#8211; Interest update<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                Donations Data Has Changed \u2014 +4 rows in 2024-25 <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/donations_update\/2026-08-17_21-11-25.html' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/politicalgadgets.com\/donations_update\/2026-08-17_21-11-25.png?w=800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:10px; margin-top:10px;\"><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<div style=\"max-width:100%; margin:0;\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0;\">Register of Interests Update \u2014 ANTHONY ALBANESE<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 4px 0;\">GRAYNDLER, NSW<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px 0; color: #555; font-size: 14px;\">Australian Labor Party \u00b7 Prime Minister<\/p>\n<h3 style='margin:16px 0 8px 0;'>Additions<\/h3>\n<table style='border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;'>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Person<\/th>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Item<\/th>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>11. Gifts<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>&quot;Jinani\/Tiwi ancestor (2025)&quot; \u2013 Ironwood carving by Gordon John Pupangamirri<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>11. Gifts<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>&quot;Bird&quot; Ironwood carving by Cryril Kerinauia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>11. Gifts<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>Bottle of News24 Launch Edition McLaren Vale Shiraz \u2013 Vintage 2020<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>11. Gifts<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>Tabua from The Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka CF OBE MSD, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji \u2013 surrendered (to be donated to National Collections)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>11. Gifts<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>Woven Mats x 4 from The Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka CF OBE MSD, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji \u2013 surrendered (to be displayed in Commonwealth\/Parliamentary Office)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>11. Gifts<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>Nguzu Nguzu Tubi Wood Carving from 48th Solomon Islands Independence Anniversary Committee 2026 \u2013 surrendered (to be donated to National Collections)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>11. Gifts<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>Nguzu Nguzu Tubi Wood Carving 2 from The Honourable Morris Toiraena, Minister of Health and Medical Services of Solomon Islands \u2013 surrendered (to be donated to National Collections)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>11. Gifts<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>Framed Traditional Double Pig Tusks, Coffee and Independence Book from The Honourable James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea \u2013 surrendered (to be displayed in Commonwealth\/Parliamentary Office)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>12. Sponsored travel or hospitality<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>Tickets to Rabbitohs v Raiders \u2013 Canberra 18 July from the Canberra Raiders<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3 style='margin:16px 0 8px 0;'>Deletions<\/h3>\n<p style='margin:0;'>None<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<div style=\"max-width:100%; margin:0;\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0;\">Register of Interests Update \u2014 Hume, Jane<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 4px 0;\">Victoria<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px 0; color: #555; font-size: 14px;\">Liberal Party of Australia<\/p>\n<h3 style='margin:16px 0 8px 0;'>Additions<\/h3>\n<table style='border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;'>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Person<\/th>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Item<\/th>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>Gifts<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>1 x liqueur from Minerals Council of Australia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>Sponsored Travel Or Hospitality<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>4 x A reserve tickets to Collingwood vs St Kilda Match at MCG on 8th March 2026 from AFL House<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>Sponsored Travel Or Hospitality<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>1 x Ticket to Midwinter Ball from Fairfax<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3 style='margin:16px 0 8px 0;'>Deletions<\/h3>\n<p style='margin:0;'>None<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px; color:#555; text-align:center; font-style:italic; margin:0 0 20px;\">\n            See the end of the newsletter for more Interests.\n        <\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                What they&#8217;re talking about<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                Most used words in parliament on 17 Aug 2026: PEOPLE (441) HOUSE (377) SUPPORT (366) PETITION (324)  &#8230;  <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/page.html?search=hans_wordc' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/politicalgadgets.com\/images\/hans_word_c.png?w=800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:10px; margin-top:10px;\"><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                Parliament House Awards $1.4 Million Bollard Maintenance Contract to NSW Security Fencing Specialist<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                The Department of Parliamentary Services has awarded a three-year contract worth $1.4 million to Australian Security Fencing Pty Ltd for bollard maintenance at Parliament House. The contract, signed in August 2026, covers maintenance of the automated security bollards installed at ministerial entrances and other access points around the Capital Hill precinct.<\/p>\n<p>Australian Security Fencing, established in 1988 and based in South Windsor, NSW, specialises in high-security fencing and perimeter protection solutions for critical infrastructure. The company manufactures products including hostile vehicle mitigation systems and has previously worked with clients such as the Department of Defence, Sydney Harbour Bridge Alliance, and Sydney Water. The firm has won 18 federal contracts worth over $3 million, primarily with the Department of Parliamentary Services and Department of Home Affairs.<\/p>\n<p>Security bollards at Parliament House have been part of a broader security upgrade program initiated following a 2014 attack on Canadian Parliament. The automated bollards, which control vehicle access to sensitive areas, require regular servicing to maintain operational reliability. Industry standards typically recommend servicing automated bollards every six months to ensure hydraulic systems, electronic components, and mechanical parts remain functional and insurance coverage remains valid.<\/p>\n<p>Sources: austsecurityfencing.com.au; tendertracker.com.au; zoominfo.com; anao.gov.au; worldofesf.com <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/page.html?search=tsum' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                All tenders<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                 $6,692,680 in Fed Govt contracts given today. Top spend was with Australian Security Fencing Pty Ltd ($1,404,283) <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/page.html?search=tenderTotal' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/politicalgadgets.com\/images\/tendersTotal2.png?w=800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:10px; margin-top:10px;\"><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                Consultant Tenders<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                $292,157,368 in Federal contracts to the big consultants in 2026. $0 yesterday. {1577} <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/page.html?search=tenders_pi' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/politicalgadgets.com\/images\/tendersbig4.png?w=800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:10px; margin-top:10px;\"><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                What&#8217;s Parliament doing<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                Parliament is sitting today. There are no committees today. {62} <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/page.html?search=sitting2' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/politicalgadgets.com\/images\/new_parl_dates.png?w=800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:10px; margin-top:10px;\"><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                Flights<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                The VIP fleet flew at least 3,604 km in the last few days. That&#8217;s 2 planes doing 2 flights over 4 hrs and 17 mins and costing around $19,547.  <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/page.html?search=vipflights' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/politicalgadgets.com\/images\/flights.png?w=800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:10px; margin-top:10px;\"><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                Fed Govt Outsourced labour costs<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                Government Temporary Staff Tenders in the last day: $0 <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/page.html?search=outsource_tot' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/politicalgadgets.com\/images\/outsource_totals.png?w=800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:10px; margin-top:10px;\"><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                How does the tender money flow&#8230;<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                YTD tenders for Australian Federal Police: $771,017,479 {772} <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/page.html?search=outsource_flow' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/politicalgadgets.com\/images\/outsource_flows.png?w=800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:10px; margin-top:10px;\"><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                Donations<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                Fairfax, Nicholas declared $193,000 in political donations. {564} <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/page.html?search=donations' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/politicalgadgets.com\/images\/donations.png?w=800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:10px; margin-top:10px;\"><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                Politician Expenses<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                Rick Wilson  (Reps, O&#8217;Connor, Lib) claimed $1,021,446 in expenses over the last 4 reported quarters for major categories such as travel, offices and cars. That is $289,698 more than the average. #auspol <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/page.html?search=expense' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/politicalgadgets.com\/images\/expenses_ind.png?w=800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:10px; margin-top:10px;\"><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                Double Donors<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                Westpac Banking Corporation donated $157,770 in 2023-24. That was $77,250 to Labor and $80,520 to the Coalition. {9801} #auspol <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/page.html?search=double_donors' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/politicalgadgets.com\/images\/double_donors.png?w=800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:10px; margin-top:10px;\"><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                Parliamentary attendance<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                Charlotte Walker (senate, SA, Australian Labor Party) attended 93.4% of possible votes. <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/page.html?search=attend' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/politicalgadgets.com\/images\/attend.png?w=800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:10px; margin-top:10px;\"><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                Political advertising on Google<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                Political advertising spend with Google in last 24 hours: $12,150. (YTD: $3,274,800) <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/page.html?search=google_spend' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/politicalgadgets.com\/images\/google_spend.png?w=800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:10px; margin-top:10px;\"><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                Political advertising on Facebook<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                Political advertising on Facebook yesterday: $75,162. (YTD: $4,420,817) <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/page.html?search=fbook_spend' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/politicalgadgets.com\/images\/fbook_day.png?w=800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:10px; margin-top:10px;\"><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<div style=\"max-width:100%; margin:0;\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0;\">Register of Interests Update \u2014 Mary Aldred<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 4px 0;\">Monash, Victoria<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px 0; color: #555; font-size: 14px;\">Liberal Party<\/p>\n<h3 style='margin:16px 0 8px 0;'>Additions<\/h3>\n<table style='border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;'>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Person<\/th>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Item<\/th>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>11. Gifts<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>12 month complimentary membership of the National Press Club of Australia following speech on 22 July, 2026. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3 style='margin:16px 0 8px 0;'>Deletions<\/h3>\n<p style='margin:0;'>None<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<div style=\"max-width:100%; margin:0;\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0;\">Register of Interests Update \u2014 Timothy Wilson<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 4px 0;\">Goldstein, Victoria<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px 0; color: #555; font-size: 14px;\">Liberal Party<\/p>\n<h3 style='margin:16px 0 8px 0;'>Additions<\/h3>\n<table style='border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;'>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Person<\/th>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Item<\/th>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>11. Gifts<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>Framed David Rowe AFR cartoon from John Short<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3 style='margin:16px 0 8px 0;'>Deletions<\/h3>\n<p style='margin:0;'>None<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<div style=\"max-width:100%; margin:0;\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0;\">Register of Interests Update \u2014 Darren Chester<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 4px 0;\">Gippsland, Victoria<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px 0; color: #555; font-size: 14px;\">National Party \u00b7 Shadow Minister for Veterans\u2019 Affairs<\/p>\n<h3 style='margin:16px 0 8px 0;'>Additions<\/h3>\n<table style='border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;'>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Person<\/th>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Item<\/th>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Spouse\/Partner<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>12. Travel Or Hospitality<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>Latrobe Health Services Gala Dinner ticket (Gippsland Business Awards)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>12. Travel Or Hospitality<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>Latrobe Health Services Gala Dinner ticket (Gippsland Business Awards)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>12. Travel Or Hospitality<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>Parliamentary Sports Club hosted visit to tennis experience. Australia Vs UK Parliamentarians<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3 style='margin:16px 0 8px 0;'>Deletions<\/h3>\n<p style='margin:0;'>None<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<div style=\"max-width:100%; margin:0;\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0;\">Register of Interests Update \u2014 Helen Haines<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 4px 0;\">Indi, Victoria<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px 0; color: #555; font-size: 14px;\">Independent<\/p>\n<h3 style='margin:16px 0 8px 0;'>Additions<\/h3>\n<table style='border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;'>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Person<\/th>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Item<\/th>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>11. Gifts<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>17-Jun-26 &#8211; Book: In History&#x27;s Page &#8211; from Morgan Begg, Institute of Public Affairs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Self<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>11. Gifts<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>05-Aug-26 &#8211; Book: Unspeakable by Richard Hill &amp; Jean Renouf &#8211; from Dr Jean Renouf<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3 style='margin:16px 0 8px 0;'>Deletions<\/h3>\n<p style='margin:0;'>None<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin-bottom:25px;\">\n<div style=\"max-width:100%; margin:0;\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0;\">Register of Interests Update \u2014 Timothy Watts<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 4px 0;\">Gellibrand, Victoria<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px 0; color: #555; font-size: 14px;\">Australian Labor Party<\/p>\n<h3 style='margin:16px 0 8px 0;'>Additions<\/h3>\n<table style='border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;'>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Person<\/th>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Item<\/th>\n<th style='text-align:left;padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;'>Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'><b>Spouse\/Partner<\/b><\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;'>3. Real Estate<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>Residential Apartment. Location: Footscray, Victoria<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3 style='margin:16px 0 8px 0;'>Deletions<\/h3>\n<p style='margin:0;'>None<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:11px; color:#666; margin-top:40px; text-align:center;\">\n    \u00a9 Copyright PoliticalGadgets.com\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Today&#8217;s Political Gadgets digest covers: Register of Interests: Jane Hume (VIC) \u2014 interests updated; Parliament: sitting; MP expenses: Rick Wilson<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-550","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>\u2699\ufe0f Political Gadgets News | Tuesday, 18 August 2026 - Political Gadgets - Articles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Daily Australian political transparency digest for Tuesday, 18 August 2026: Register of Interests: Jane Hume (VIC) \u2014 interests updated. 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