Amazon makes largest political donation to Australian parties amid datacentre expansion
Amazon Web Services reported its biggest payment to an Australian political party following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to the company's Seattle headquarters on June 14, 2025.
Record donation follows ministerial trip
The company disclosed a $46,500 payment to the Labor party's federal branch on June 28. This single transaction represents the largest contribution Amazon has ever made to an Australian political party. The payment occurred within days of Prime Minister Albanese returning from his visit to the Seattle headquarters.
Six-year spending total revealed
Federal disclosures show this was one of 34 payments totaling $538,000 made over a six-year period. These contributions went to both Labor and Liberal branches during that timeframe. The company continues this pattern of disclosing financial contributions shortly after announcing multibillion-dollar projects.
Lobbying scrutiny increases
Transparency International Australia's chief executive Clancy Moore noted that well-connected political operatives are being paid to lobby governments. This includes former policy advisers and at least one former premier working on behalf of datacentre companies. Community backlash against fast-tracking datacentres has renewed focus on these financial contributions.
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