Greens plan to put lobbyists on short rein

Greens MP and Upper House candidate Lee Rhiannon today outlined plans to bring in a private members bill to make professional lobbyists accountable to the public.

"Lobbying is an important part of the democratic process but it needs to be regulated with legislation to ensure openness and accountability," Ms Rhiannon said.

"We know that some lobbyists use underhand tactics to deliver for their client. By bringing in some rules the Greens are confident that we can get better outcomes for the public and raise the standard on lobbyists' behaviour.

"I have had talks with WA Greens MP Giz Watson about this legislation. The Greens WA are working on similar legislation in the wake of the Brian Burke controversy.

"The Greens private members bill will require all paid lobbyists to be registered with the NSW Parliament and lodge detailed returns with the Ombudsman. The lobbyists will file a return within 10 days of undertaking a lobbying activity that provides details of who they met with, for how long, the purpose of the meeting, and any agreed outcomes.

"Under the Greens bill the Ombudsman will be required to maintain a Register of Lobbying Activity that is open for public inspection in hard copy and on the internet. The Ombudsman will also have the power to investigate the activities of any lobbyist.

"We will also endeavour to include a provision to impose penalties on lobbyists for failing to register or for breaching a code of conduct.

"The bill only covers people who are paid as lobbyists or consultants to meet with and attempt to influence Members of Parliament, ministerial staff and other public officials. The Greens Bill does not apply to members of the public lobbying on their own behalf.

"We know that some lobbyists use underhand tactics to deliver for their client. By bringing in some rules the Greens are confident that we can get better outcomes for the public and raise the standard on lobbyists' behaviour.

"Lobbyists are part of our democratic process but they need to be regulated.

"Lobbyists are trying to influence the decisions of parliament for the group or business that pays them. There is nothing wrong with this but the public has a right to know what they do.

"Lobbyists can change government decisions. How they wield this power needs to be open and transparent," Ms Rhiannon said.