DFAT’s ‘Mr Inside’ in Washington billed Australia $170,000

A lobbyist hired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to gain access to politicians in Washington DC reported holding three activities over five months, as well as providing “high-level advice” and holding monthly lunches with officials, all of which were billed to Australian taxpayers for $170,000.

Veteran DC lobbyist Richard F. Hohlt, who signed a contract with DFAT in November last year, submitted a form to the US government earlier this month detailing his activities in the period to the end of April, including his first five months working for DFAT.