Anthony Albanese says independent senator David Pocock should not be kicked out of parliament’s social sports club despite the prime minister dismissing his concerns about lobbying as “absurd”.

But the secretary of Unions NSW and the founder of the group Labor for Gambling Reform, Mark Moray, said Pocock raised “legitimate questions” about the influence of the gambling lobby and its access to politicians.

Pocock – a former Wallabies captain – was banned from the social club on Thursday night after raising concerns about the club’s listing as a lobbyist group representing the gambling lobby and alcohol and fossil fuel companies.

The ACT senator had also asked questions during Senate estimates hearings about whether it was appropriate for the prime minister to be the president of the

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