{"id":557,"date":"2026-08-22T07:49:40","date_gmt":"2026-08-21T21:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/words\/2026\/08\/22\/political-gadgets-news-2026-08-22\/"},"modified":"2026-08-22T07:49:40","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T21:49:40","slug":"political-gadgets-news-2026-08-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/words\/2026\/08\/22\/political-gadgets-news-2026-08-22\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2699\ufe0f Political Gadgets News | Saturday, 22 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 | Saturday, 22 August 2026\",\n  \"datePublished\": \"2026-08-22T07:48:55.884373+10:00\",\n  \"dateModified\": \"2026-08-22T07:48:55.884373+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 Saturday, 22 August 2026: Federal contracts: $27,397,077 awarded; largest to HERTZ AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITE...\",\n  \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n    \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/words\/2026\/08\/22\/political-gadgets-news-2026-08-22\/\"\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\": \"$6.7, Home Affairs Awards Hertz, Million Vehicle Rental Contract, Consultant Tenders, Fed Govt Outsourced, Politician Expenses, Double Donors, Shareholding Index\",\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: Federal contracts: $27,397,077 awarded; largest to HERTZ AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED ($6,723,315); Parliament: not sitting; MP expenses: Matt Burnell (Spence, Lab) \u2014 $621,796 over 4 quarters; Political advertising: Google $6,600 (YTD $3,308,250); Facebook $74,002 (YTD $4,922,280).<\/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>Federal contracts: $27,397,077 awarded; largest to HERTZ AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED ($6,723,315)<\/li>\n<li>Parliament: not sitting<\/li>\n<li>MP expenses: Matt Burnell (Spence, Lab) \u2014 $621,796 over 4 quarters<\/li>\n<li>Political advertising: Google $6,600 (YTD $3,308,250); Facebook $74,002 (YTD $4,922,280)<\/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 Saturday, 22 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 Australian politics dominated by Israel-Gaza tensions, religious sect election interference, and government overreach concerns.<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px; color:#888; margin:0 0 14px;\">BlueSky #auspol &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; 22 August 2026, 05:29 AEST &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; 499 posts &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; AI-generated<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 12px;\">The past 24 hours saw three major tensions dominating Australian political discourse. First, the killing of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom by Israeli forces two years ago resurfaced as a flashpoint, with the government&#8217;s &#8220;outrage&#8221; at Israel&#8217;s self-investigation widely criticized as performative. Second, revelations that the Exclusive Brethren secretly funded far-right activists to disrupt the 2025 election triggered calls for prosecution and fresh scrutiny of religious influence on politics. Third, the Labor government&#8217;s expansion of ASIO detention powers and NDIS cuts prompted sustained anger from disability advocates and civil liberties campaigners.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 12px;\">Key issues included Israel-Australia relations, where posts demanded ambassador expulsion and weapons export sanctions in response to Frankcom&#8217;s death, with independent media praised for holding legacy outlets accountable. The Exclusive Brethren scandal exposed systematic election interference via paid activist disruptions, raising broader questions about unregulated religious groups in politics and the need for lobbying transparency. Data breaches at Origin Energy and broader security failures drew criticism of government inaction, while NDIS reform cuts and ASIO bill expansions faced fury from progressives accusing Labor of abandoning vulnerable Australians and civil liberties.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 12px;\">The overall tone was combative and disappointed. Centrist posts acknowledged tactical government pressure on Israel but dismissed it as insufficient; left-wing commentary branded the government complicit in genocide and captured by corporate interests; and civil libertarians warned of creeping authoritarianism. A standout post from Sarah Schwartz of the Jewish Council of Australia\u2014itself critical of Israel&#8217;s refusal to investigate Frankcom&#8217;s death\u2014demonstrated fracture lines even within communities typically aligned with government positions, signalling deep frustration at inaction masquerading as concern.<\/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;\">Israel-Gaza Tensions<\/strong> &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#333;\">Election Interference Scandal<\/strong> &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#333;\">ASIO Detention Powers<\/strong> &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#333;\">NDIS Cuts<\/strong> &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#333;\">Religious Influence Politics<\/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<div style=\"max-width:100%; margin:0;\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0;\">Register of Interests Update \u2014 David Moncrieff<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 4px 0;\">Hughes, New South Wales<\/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>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;'>Australian Regional Leadership Initiative cross-parliamentary delegation to Timor-Leste to view programs funded through Australian foreign aid, including health, education and infrastructure programs. The delegation was funded through Save The Children<\/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;'>2 tickets to Bell Shakespeare&#x27;s production of Julius Caesar provided by Bell Shakespeare<\/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;'>2 tickets to Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Dolphins game at Ocean Protect Stadium provided by Cronulla Sharks Group CEO<\/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 Nicolette Boele<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 4px 0;\">Bradfield, New South Wales<\/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;'>12. Travel Or Hospitality<\/td>\n<td style='padding:8px;border:1px solid #ddd;vertical-align:top;'>Mid-winter press ball tickets (pax 2) from Capital Brief (previously incorrectly declared as from Capital Media)<\/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<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                Home Affairs Awards Hertz $6.7 Million Vehicle Rental Contract<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                The Department of Home Affairs has signed a four-year vehicle rental services contract with Hertz Australia Pty. Limited valued at $6.7 million, running from June 2026 to June 2030. The contract represents the largest single award in a procurement day totalling $27.4 million across Australian government agencies.<\/p>\n<p>Hertz Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., based in Florida, and has operated in Australia since 1958. The company maintains over 220 locations across Australia and operates a fleet that includes economy, intermediate, full-size, prestige, and commercial vehicles under the Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty brands. In 2024, Hertz Investment Holdings Pty Limited generated $500 million in revenue and employed 890 staff across its Australian operations.<\/p>\n<p>Hertz serves as the sole provider of vehicle rental services to the Australian Government under the Whole of Australian Government arrangement, offering over 200 locations nationwide, advantageous pricing and terms, a Counter Express service at major airports, and enhanced data reporting. The arrangement provides government entities with consistent processes, a diverse fleet including electric and green vehicles, and streamlined toll payment systems.<\/p>\n<p>Sources: finance.gov.au; ibisworld.com; modernslaveryregister.gov.au; drivenow.com.au <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                Fed govt contracts given today came to  $27,397,077. The winner is HERTZ AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED ($6,723,315) <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                $297,684,868 in Federal contracts to the big consultants in 2026. $0 yesterday. {1777} <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&#8230; is not sitting today. There are no committees today. {59} <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 604 km in the last few days. That&#8217;s 4 planes doing 4 flights over 5 hrs and 20 mins and costing around $24,350.  <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 Digital Health Agency: $76,205,203 {874} <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                Matt Burnell  (Reps, Spence, Lab) claimed $621,796 in expenses over the last 4 reported quarters for major categories such as travel, offices and cars. That is $94,171 more than the median. #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                Australian Hotels Association &#8211; Federal Office donated $245,778 in 2023-24. That was $135,907 to Labor and $109,871 to the Coalition. {133} #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                Rob Mitchell (representatives, McEwen, Australian Labor Party) attended 82.1% 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: $6,600. (YTD: $3,308,250) <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: $74,002. (YTD: $4,922,280) <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<h2 style=\"font-size:22px; margin:0 0 12px; color:#333;\">\n                Politicians&#8217; Shareholding Index<br \/>\n            <\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.5; color:#444; margin:0 0 15px;\">\n                Just out of interest &#8211; here is our index of politicians&#8217; shareholdings measured against the index. <a href='https:\/\/politicalgadgets.com\/' target='_blank'>[link]<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/politicalgadgets.com\/images\/pol_shares.png?w=800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:10px; margin-top:10px;\"><\/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: Federal contracts: $27,397,077 awarded; largest to HERTZ AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED ($6,723,315); Parliament: not sitting; MP<\/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-557","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 | Saturday, 22 August 2026 - Political Gadgets - Articles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Daily Australian political transparency digest for Saturday, 22 August 2026: Federal contracts: $27,397,077 awarded; largest to HERTZ AUSTRALIA PTY. 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