Christopher Pyne, who served as defence minister, now runs lobbying firm Pyne & Partners. (Four Corners: Ryan Sheridan)
Dozens of former defence officials, including ministers, high-ranking officers and senior staffers, have jumped from government roles into lucrative lobbying firms or the defence sector, Four Corners analysis reveals.
Critics say this "revolving door" creates an unfair playing field, where former officials can use their connections to potentially influence the awarding of multi-million-dollar contracts.
New analysis by Four Corners has exposed the scale of the practice, prompting calls for greater transparency and tighter lobbying rules.
One former defence minister now in the lobbying sector is veteran Liberal MP Christopher Pyne.
Within months of retiring from federal politics in 2019, Mr Pyne co-founded lobbying firm Pyne & Partners.
Seven years later, Mr Pyne says it's the fifth-largest lobbying firm in Australia.
"We're number one in defence, number two in infrastructure and construction," he says.
Mr Pyne says lobbying is an integral part of Australia's democracy and is a natural career path for some former parliamentarians.
"I had a quarter of a century in politics. I was on the front bench for 16 years. I was a minister for most of the time that we were in government," Mr Pyne says.
Independent MP Monique Ryan says while she appreciates Mr Pyne's skills and connections, she believes he represents the need for tighter regulations and greater transparency.
"Christopher's a charming individual. He could sell tea to China," Dr Ryan says.
"But he has inside knowledge that he has gained from decades in parliament and years as a defence minister, which he has taken into the defence industry."
Monique Ryan wants tighter lobbying regulations. (Four Corners: Ryan Sheridan)
Mr Pyne is not the only former defence minister to pivot to lobbying or a private-sector firm.