Regulating lobbying in Queensland

In a December 2008 report into the activities of a former public servant, the Crime and Misconduct Commission of Queensland (CMC) proposed the establishment of a register of lobbyists modeled on the Australian government's approach of requiring only those who worked for third-party clients to be included.

In its report the CMC noted that while Ministers and public servants may benefit from representations from lobbyists it stated that "problems may arise where those lobbying government with a particular viewpoint or from a particular background are allowed more time, freer access or greater influence than other lobbyists. This is particularly the case where the lobbyist is a former public official."

"Therefore, in the interests of accountability and public administration based on integrity, the rules governing the post-separation employment of public offi cials, and related issues such as lobbying, need to be defi ned and clearly articulated, not only to those public officials to whom they apply but also to private sector parties (including former public officials) seeking to do business with government, and to members of the public. It is the CMC’s view that Queensland needs clear rules when it comes to lobbying so that not only does all lobbying take place on an equal footing, but that the general public can see that no sectional interest is being favoured over another."

Other SourceWatch Resources

• Regulating lobbying
• Regulating lobbying in Australia
• Regulating lobbying in the Australian Capital Territory
• Regulating lobbying in New South Wales
• Regulating lobbying in the Northern Territory
• Regulating lobbying in South Australia
• Regulating lobbying in Tasmania
• Regulating lobbying in Victoria
• Regulating lobbying in Western Australia

External links

• Natasha Bita, "Rudd's poster boy embroiled in misconduct case", The Australian, July 21, 2008.
• Crime and Misconduct Commission Queensland, Public Duty, Private Interests: A report arising from the investigation into the conduct of former Director-General Scott Flavell: Issues in pre-separation conduct and post-separation, Crime and Misconduct Commission Queensland, December 2008.
• Tony Moore, "Questions asked over MPs-turned-lobbyists", Brisbane Times, January 28, 2009.
• Annie Guest, "Qld Cabinet considers plan to stop politicians lobbying State Government", PM, ABC Radio National, February 6, 2009.
• Mark Ludlow, "Former Beattie MPs escape lobbying ban", Australian Financial Review, February 14-15, 2009, page 7. (Sub req'd).

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