New legislation introduced to tighten lobbying rules

Measures aimed at strengthening South Australia’s lobbying laws have been introduced to State Parliament today.

The proposed legislation will prohibit office bearers, employees and volunteers of parliamentary parties and associated entities of parliamentary parties from lobbying on matters outside the ordinary course of their work.

“Our current lobbying laws already prevent certain individuals from lobbying within South Australia for a certain time either during or after the relevant work has ceased – depending on the role,” Attorney-General, Vickie Chapman said.

“This includes former Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, ministerial staff, government board members and senior public sector executives.

“This Bill will now cover those persons working in or for parliamentary parties and other closely related bodies.”

The Bill incorporates feedback from the Australian Professional Government Relations Association (the representative national group for lobbyists) and from current registered lobbyists.

Attorney-General Chapman said the Bill is another step towards better transparency within the State Government.

“The Marshall Government is a strong advocate for accountable and open government in South Australia,” Ms Chapman said.

“Delivering on our election commitment to enact these changes supports our position and ultimately helps shed more light on government decision-making processes for the public.”

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