Federal election 2025: Which shares does my MP own?

Australian MPs' Shareholdings

This article explores the investment portfolios of Australian Members of Parliament (MPs) ahead of the 2025 federal election. It highlights that several prominent figures, including Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, independent Allegra Spender, and Barnaby Joyce, hold significant shareholdings, either personally or through family members.

Investment Trends

The piece notes a rise in Australian investment in shares and ETFs, mirroring the MPs' investment choices. The ASX reported a 13% increase in Australians investing in these assets from 2020 to 2023. This shift is attributed to increased accessibility of information online and the challenges posed by the housing market.

Accessibility and the Housing Crisis

The article emphasizes the reduced barriers to share ownership, particularly due to online resources. The current housing crisis has made property investment less accessible for many, contributing to the rise in share investments.

The rising participation of Australians in the share market is indicated by over a million new investors in shares and ETFs during the COVID-19 period.

• MPs' investment strategies vary: Some invest directly while others utilize financial advisors and ETFs to mitigate conflicts of interest.
• Common investments among politicians include ETFs from Vanguard and Betashares, and shares in major companies like Qantas, Woolworths, and Commonwealth Bank.