MPs rush to declare free Foxtel subscriptions

Politicians from across the political spectrum have updated their register of interests in the past few weeks to disclose free Foxtel subscriptions donated by a lobby group for the pay TV industry.

Treasurer Scott Morrison updated his register on August 14, a week after Industry Minister Arthur Sinodinos updated his on August 7.

Labor’s Anthony Albanese and Greens MP Adam Bandt both declared their subscriptions on August 10. Crossbench senator Derryn Hinch is also believed to have updated his, but the online register has not yet reflected the change.

The subscriptions are worth around $1,600 per annum and are offered as a gift to new federal politicians by the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA).

Anthony Albanese's interests register, showing added Foxtel subscription Source: SBS

SBS News understands the MPs and senators updated their registers following inquiries from ABC News.

Senator Hinch told the ABC he did not know the subscription was free.

“I just presumed it was part of the parliamentary package,” he said.

Fellow crossbench senator David Leyonhjelm told the ABC he did not think the subscription was sorth disclosing.

"The subscription was offered to all sitting MPs, therefore it is not mandatory to include it on the pecuniary interest register," he said.