[Greens-Media] Lobbyist Code of Conduct lacks teeth: Greens

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 30 October 2008

Lobbyist Code of Conduct lacks teeth

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon today called on the Premier Nathan Rees to give bite to his new scheme to regulate lobbyists by giving it legislative backing so breaches of the Code of Conduct becomes an offence, as is the case in Canada and the US (p.4, Sydney Morning Herald).

"The Premier's proposed scheme is a step forward, but for it to have any real impact it needs legislative backing to allow proper enforcement mechanisms," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Mr Rees has chosen a soft, minimalist model to regulate lobbyists. 

"The proposal fails to require a register of lobbying activity. 

"A register of lobbying activity is essential, requiring public disclosure of what lobbying has occurred, when and for what purpose. 

"The scheme fails to capture lobbying of all MPs, regardless of whether they are ministers, leaving the door open to improper influence.

"The code also fails to curb lobbying by former ministers, parliamentary secretaries and senior ministerial staff. They should be should be subject to an 18 month cooling off period. 

"If this new scheme is to have any integrity, Nathan Rees needs to stop dithering and ban corporate donations. 

"While political donations flow, off-the-record lobbying at fundraising events and behind closed doors will continue in NSW.

"Public confidence in the Rees government will only be restored if the public trusts that important decisions are made fairly and openly, without corrupting influences.

"While it's an improvement this proposed scheme is still minimalist. Without proper enforcement mechanisms the code will have little real impact," Ms Rhiannon said.  


For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au