[Greens-Media] Lobbying Code should apply to all MPs - Greens

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Thursday, 3 April 2008

Lobbying Code should apply to all MPs - Greens

The proposed Lobbying Code of Conduct needs to be enacted as legislation
and must have a much wider scope to be effective, Australian Greens
leader Bob Brown said today.

"The Code should apply to all members and senators, not just senior
Government representatives," Senator Brown said.

"From 1 July the Government will require the support of the Australian
Greens and independent senators to pass legislation opposed by the
Coalition. With the minor parties holding the balance of power, the
lobbyists will be out in force and it will be more important than ever
for this process to be transparent to the public," Senator Brown said.

Last June Senator Brown introduced the Lobbying and Ministerial
Accountability Bill 2007 to the Senate, which:
	*	Requires lobbyists to file a return of lobbying activity
at the end of each month, including who they met and the purpose of the
meeting; 
	*	Covers law firms, public relations companies and former
politicians as well as professional lobbyists 
	*	Applies to all senators and members

"A voluntary code of conduct is not enforceable. The Australian Greens
will make a submission providing the Lobbying and Ministerial
Accountability Bill 2007 as a template for stronger, more effective
regulation of lobbying activities," Senator Brown said.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603




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Ebony Bennett
Media Adviser
Office of Greens Senator Bob Brown
Mobile: 0409 164 603
Ph: (02) 6277 3170
Fax: (02) 6277 3185	

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