A former federal Labor MP appointed as Victoria’s key intermediary to the defence industry is also working at a lobbying firm that has clients in the sector, raising potential conflicts in the taxpayer-funded role. David Feeney, a former Victorian senator, was late last year installed by the Allan government as Victoria’s “Defence Industry Advocate”. The part-time role, which pays a salary of $130,000, is designed to serve as the primary point of contact for global defence companies seeking to expand their footprint in Victoria and engage with government. David Feeney on the tank deck of the landing ship HMAS Choules during military exercises in 2014. ADF Simultaneously, Feeney continues to work as a consultant with lobbying firm Dragoman, which notes his defence credentials on its web page . Until mid-2025, Feeney was also an adviser to munitions and small-arms specialist Nioa, one of two contractors on a $19 million ammunition contract with Victoria Police .…