Lobbying Needs Tighter Control, More Transparency, Inquiry Told

Lobbying needs to be brought into the light—and properly regulated—say a range of submissions to an inquiry into the industry.

A general view of the roads around the Parliament House building in Canberra, Australia on Aug. 13, 2021. Jamila Toderas/AFP via Getty Images

As a parliamentary inquiry examines the access lobbyists have to Parliament and whether rules are adequate, it’s clear the majority of submissions think they’re not.

The think tank Centre for Public Integrity has called for the lobbying code, which guides dealings with government representatives, to be made law to ensure compliance and increase transparency. It should also include penalties for breaches and make it possible to refuse registration to lobbyists thought unsuitable or found guilty of breaches.