As budget week nears in Canberra, Australia, political parties are ramping up fundraising efforts, with tickets for Labor's budget night dinner costing $5,500, a rise from last year’s price. The event, set to take place in the Canberra Central Business District, will feature the prime minister and other senior ministers. Meanwhile, the Coalition's budget-in-reply dinner is priced at $3,300 and promises attendees a chance to hear from opposition leader Angus Taylor. Critics, including Independent ACT senator David Pocock, argue that such 'cash-for-access' events distort public policy and favor corporate interests over the needs of everyday Australians. Pocock advocates for increased transparency regarding lobbyist access to parliament. In response, a spokesperson for the Liberal party dismissed these concerns, suggesting a double standard in political donations. Starting next year, new regulations will mandate the declaration of donations over $5,000, potentially altering the landscape of these fundraising events. Former parliamentarians have expressed their discontent with being paraded at such high-profile gatherings, labeling them as tedious and unproductive.