New rules for lobbyists

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced new rules for lobbyists in Queensland.

The Premier said the rules helped strengthen what are already some of the strongest laws in Australia.

“We do not just accept these changes,” the Premier said.

“We embrace them.

“Our aim is to always do better and these changes ensure even greater openness and transparency.”

The changes include:

Anyone working for a lobbying firm will need to be registered as a lobbyist.

• It covers lobbyists, consultants, advisers, strategic communications and marketing advisers but excludes administrative staff

Lobbyists are only to make contact through the Chief of Staff of an office.

• All meetings will have to be requested in writing
• The Chief of Staff can delegate to a senior adviser at their discretion

The Integrity Commissioner maintains the public register of lobbyists.

Departments will continue to maintain a Register of Lobbyist contacts. This will also include the subject matter of meetings.

Ministerial diaries will continue to maintain a record of meetings and will also include the subject matter of the meeting.

The Premier said the changes are in line with recommendations of the Kevin Yearbury Review.

These recommendations also apply to the Leader of the Opposition.

“I have said for some time that the rules surrounding lobbyists needed to change and they have,” the Premier said.

“We already have some of the strongest transparency laws including the publishing of ministerial diaries.

“This is something that does not exist with the Federal Government.

“These improvements promote greater transparency.”

The Premier said the changes will be implemented regardless of and in addition to any recommendations of the Coaldrake review, due before the end of the month.

ENDS