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

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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 dollars.