AUSTRALIA
Herald Sun
YONI BASHAN STATE POLITICAL REPORTER THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH JUNE 02, 2013
MAJOR Australian personalities including James Packer, John Howard and Cardinal George Pell – plus a minor British royal – have been giving political pep-talks to Liberal MPs during secret luncheon meetings held across Sydney.
The exclusive gatherings, known as the “Chartwell Society”, have seen a cross-factional band of ambitious MPs taking tips from major figures on the world stage during regular, invite-only gatherings.
Among those who have addressed the Chartwell MPs – whose group is named after former British prime minister Winston Churchill’s country home – are former prime minister John Howard, former chief of army Peter Cosgrove and even Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester.
The most recent function was held on Friday at the Australian Hotels Association plush Macquarie St boardroom with Cardinal George Pell attending as the guest of honour at a gathering of 11 Coalition MPs.
The gatherings aim to “critically evaluate policy”, the group’s organiser David Elliott, a Liberal MP, told The Sunday Telegraph.
Separate gatherings have been held at universities, churches and corporate boardrooms.
The precise nature of the discussions are kept strictly confidential.
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