The ‘Oscars for political nerds’ or a threat to democracy? Grab a ticket, it’s Canberra’s budget fundraiser season

As major parties once again spruik budget night events at thousands of dollars a ticket, some MPs say they resent the ritzy social galas Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast They’re dismissed as boring, little more than a “selfie” opportunity for economy nerds – or even labelled a threat to democracy. But as budget week approaches, the major parties are once again spruiking fundraising dinners and drinks for their most loyal followers – and slugging them for thousands of