National lobbying reform bill would level the playing field for everyday Australians
Dr Monique Ryan MP’s lobbying reform bill would make federal politics more transparent and enhance Australia’s democracy.
Transparency International Australia has welcomed Dr Ryan’s announcement to reintroduce her national lobbying reform bill.
“When Australians engage their political representatives to advocate for the policies and programs they support, they expect a level playing field,” said Clancy Moore, CEO of Transparency International Australia.
“But currently, the playing field is stacked against ordinary Australians. Those with the deepest pockets and strongest relationships get more access and influence over decision-makers, leaving the risk of corruption wide open.”
Transparency International Australia’s research shows the Commonwealth has one of the weakest lobbying regimes in the country, scoring just 17/100 against the states and territories on transparency, integrity and enforcement.
Transparency International Australia is calling on all parliamentarians to make lobbying reform a priority. This includes:
- A legislated code of conduct governing lobbying and other attempts to influence public decision-making, with clear rules around conflicts of interest, disclosure and accountability.
- Closing the revolving door. Former ministers, senior public servants and ministerial advisers should face a mandatory cooling-off period of at least three years before they can lobby government on matters connected to their former responsibilities.
- Expanding the definition of a lobbyist to capture in-house lobbyists. The current system risks giving an incomplete picture of who is actually seeking to influence government.
- The routine publication of ministerial diaries so the public can see who ministers are meeting. The lobbying register should also disclose who met whom, when those meetings occurred and what interests were being represented.
“If passed, Dr Ryan’s bill would restore the fair go for advocates and lobbyists, enhance our democracy and better mitigate the risk of corruption in Australian politics.
“When the kids lace up their footy boots on a Saturday morning, they step out on to the pitch knowing they have the same chance as the opposition. Politics should be the same. There’s nothing more Aussie than the fair go,” Mr Moore said.