Information for Australian Government representatives
Who is covered
The Australian Government Lobbying Code of Conduct (the code) defines an Australian Government representative as:
- a minister or a parliamentary secretary (assistant minister)
- a person employed or engaged by a minister or a parliamentary secretary under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984
- an agency head or a person employed under the Public Service Act 1999
- a person engaged as a contractor or consultant by an Australian Government agency whose staff are employed under the Public Service Act 1999
- a member of the Australian Defence Force.
Your obligations
Under the code, Australian Government representatives must:
- ensure that they are not knowingly or intentionally party to lobbying by a lobbyist who is not on the register
- report any breaches of the code to us.
Checklist for government representatives
This checklist helps when you receive a phone call or meeting request from a potential lobbyist to ensure that you comply with your obligations under the Lobbying Code of Conduct.
Before agreeing to any communication with a lobbyist, check the Register of Lobbyists to make sure that the lobbyist and client details you have been given are correct. The register is continuously updated, and it is important to check regularly.
1. Will this communication include lobbying activities on behalf of a third-party?
Ask the person whether they are lobbying on behalf of a third party.
If yes – take note of who their client is, the purpose of the communication and the matters the client wishes the lobbyist to raise. Continue to question 2.
If no – if the person is not intending to conduct lobbying activities or is not doing so on behalf of a third party client, no further action is required under the code. You may meet with the person.
2. Is the person registered on the Register of Lobbyists?
Ask the person whether they are registered on the Federal Register of Lobbyists.
If yes – confirm the person’s registration by checking the register. If the individual lobbyist is registered, continue to question 3.
If no – or if the lobbyist is registered but they are a former government representative lobbying on matters they had official dealings with while in their prohibition period – decline the communication. Remind the lobbyist of the requirements under the Lobbying Code of Conduct. Report the breach to the register if required.
3. Is their client listed on the Register of Lobbyists?
Confirm the client is listed on the register under the lobbyist’s registration. The code requires a lobbyist to explain if their client does not need to be listed.
If yes, no further action is needed. You may meet or communicate with the person.
If no – decline the communication. Remind the lobbyist of their obligation to list the name of their client on their registration. Report the breach to the register if required.